A stained glass conservator combines the craft skills of a traditional glazier with the academic rigour of a conservation professional. They work across a broad spectrum - from stabilising 13th-century medieval panels in cathedral windows to restoring Victorian and Edwardian domestic glass, repairing Art Nouveau features and creating new architectural glass for contemporary buildings. Most conservation work on historic church windows requires faculty jurisdiction and an ICON-accredited conservator.
What they do
- Remove historic panels from windows for studio conservation
- Document and photograph existing condition before any intervention
- Replace decayed or broken lead came using appropriate profiles
- Consolidate and stabilise original painted glass surfaces
- Source mouth-blown antique glass to match historic panes
- Install protective external glazing to shield panels from the elements
- Create condition reports and conservation records
- Design and create new stained glass for churches and private clients
When you need one
Stained glass is fragile and irreplaceable - any repair or conservation work on historic panels should only be carried out by an accredited specialist.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Minor repair (re-leading a single section) | £100 - £300 per m2 |
| Full panel re-lead (studio work) | £300 - £600 per m2 |
| Medieval glass conservation (highly specialist) | £600 - £2,000+ per m2 |
| Protective isothermal glazing | £200 - £400 per m2 |
| Condition survey and report | £500 - £2,000 |
| New commissioned window (bespoke design) | £1,500 - £5,000+ per m2 |
Conservation costs vary significantly with the age and complexity of the glass. Medieval painted glass is far more costly to conserve than Victorian leaded lights. Studio overhead, scaffold or cherry picker hire, and faculty administration add to total project costs.
Qualifications to look for
ICON accreditation (ACR designation) is the recognised professional standard for conservation practitioners in the UK. For stained glass work in historic buildings and churches, look for an ICON-accredited conservator with a specialist focus on stained glass. Find accredited conservators at icon.org.uk.
The BSMGP represents stained glass artists, conservators and craftspeople. Membership indicates engagement with professional standards in the field. The Society can also assist with finding an appropriate conservator for a specific project.
How to find a reputable stained glass conservator
Frequently asked questions
Can stained glass be repaired without removing it?
Some minor repairs - such as re-securing loose lead came, replacing broken panes in modern geometric windows, or stabilising external protective glazing - can be carried out in situ. However, most serious conservation work requires the panels to be removed to a studio. This allows the conservator to work on a light table, properly assess all deterioration, replace decayed lead came, treat corroded glass and carry out the careful work that is not possible at height on a ladder.
Does stained glass work in a church need a faculty?
Yes - any work to stained glass in a Church of England church requires a faculty (the church equivalent of listed building consent) from the Diocese. The church's Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) must be consulted and will typically require that work is carried out by an ICON-accredited conservator. Similar permissions apply to Roman Catholic and other denomination buildings. Your conservation architect or the DAC secretary can advise on the specific requirements.
What glass is used in conservation work?
For conservation work on medieval or historic windows, conservators use mouth-blown antique glass (also called handmade glass) that matches the texture, colour and translucency of the original. Modern machine-made float glass has a very different character and is not appropriate for historic panel repairs. For external protective glazing, conservation-grade laminated or tempered glass with high UV filtration is used to protect historic panels from further deterioration.