This window is one of our proudest accomplishments to date. We were approached by our friends at the NH State House to build a commemorative window for the building’s bicentennial. The requirements? Fit with the existing stained glass in the building, commemorate the milestone, and get it done in less than three months, (gulp.) We got to work.
Matt tackled the initial designs and together with the State House team, we landed on the final. Our friend Duncan Reid help us make it into an at-scale, printable template.
The dimensions of the final design are 115”W x 31”H. Choosing glass was an incredibly important part of the process. There were many decisions to make. We ultimately went with darker parts for the border glass to the left and right, graduating to lighter amber selections in the middle. Fun fact: Despite the range of appearances, there are only 5-6 different glass “colors” in use across the whole window.
The medallion is the main focal point. Our inspiration came from archival images of the State House as built in 1819. We painted its likeness onto clear glass, using several layers of vitreous paints — a traditional and methodical process that requires a steady hand. The medallion was then kiln-fired by our colleague Patty Pagels of Accents in Glass in Hampton, N.H. and leaded into the center.
The build was the payoff. With so many decisions behind us, seeing it come together, was a treat. We plated the medallion with opalescent white glass for increased brightness and contrast. And at the last minute, we added a purple “dalle de verre” at the top of the window, representing the Purple Finch and Purple Lilac, two of New Hampshire’s state symbols.
Our colleague Michael Wise from Woodworks constructed a custom-built, arched sash to house the leaded panels. The installation was December 30th, and with it came an early morning snowstorm, snarling the roads statewide. (Could have done without that.) But the window went into place beautifully and now sits above the interior courtyard.
Thank you to everyone at the NH State House who entrusted us with this incredible honor! We’re proud to know that our work will be part of NH’s great history.