Their Removal and storage:
Beyer Studio, Inc. is a private contractor/advisor for stained glass to the office of General Services. In nearly all cases, Beyer Studio has removed the windows from their original settings. In this capacity we have removed, documented, restored and placed over 300 windows into new settings across the Country. We maintain sufficient insurance policies to handle and transport valuable works of art.

The windows will be removed from the church and, once removed, will require safe storage. Unless a parish has a suitable location prepared for the safe long-term storage of the windows, they will be stored at the Office of General Services warehouse facility. During the removal, detailed information regarding dimensions and condition of the windows will be gathered for future reference.

Planning for reuse:
We will be happy to assist any parish in relocating these windows. We charge no fee for providing information or advice required to assist a parish in deciding to purchase windows from the Archdiocese.

The cost of consultation through the planning phase of a project will be included in a detailed quotation/proposal for all the work required for the complete stained glass project. The process begins with the sharing of measurements and technical information about the windows with the parish and/or their architect. We can advise architects about the feasibility of adapting the windows to fit a specific location. Often the challenge of reusing such windows focuses on accommodating their great height in a contemporary church design. In some cases, it is possible to reduce the height of a window or to make two smaller windows out of one tall window. This can only be considered on a case-by-case basis.

About the Process:
We often describe the process of building a new church around antique windows as "the tail wagging the dog." All events seem to happen in reverse as the needs of the windows direct all other processes. In order for the architect to create plans for the building elevations, detailed engineering information about every section of each window must pass from the studio to the frame maker, who will, in turn, inform the builder about the dimensions of each frame. The project cannot go out to bid, nor can construction begin, without this planning being completed.

As the plans for the church project are developed, we will advise the architect about window frames for the new church to ensure that the windows will be displayed in the best manner possible. Oftentimes, architects have not encountered stained glass before and welcome our input on this subject.

While the building project progresses, we will be executing the work required on each window. When the building is nearing completion, we will deliver the windows and install them as one of the last parts of the project.

The Restoration:
Extracting the windows from their settings of many years exacts a heavy toll on the leading around the perimeter of each section. This leading must be replaced around the perimeter of each section before it can be placed in a new frame. Cracked pieces of glass can be repaired individually by one of several techniques, and it is always desirable to retain all of the original glass wherever possible. Replacing glass is only considered as a last resort, and only when pieces are shattered beyond reuse. It is often the case that pieces of glass have been replaced in the past, sometimes with unfortunate matches. These must be redone with new glass that matches the original in color and type and painted with vitreous glass paint in the original technique.

Each section will also be fitted with a completely new system of steel reinforcing bars. All the sections were supported with round steel bars that bore the great weight of the glass and lead. The new system will be engineered to accommodate a contemporary aluminum window frame. The new perimeter leading will be invested with putty to seal them in the same manner as was performed for all the lead matrix. Finally, the sections will be cleaned in preparation for installation.

We welcome your questions about the windows or the process of reuse.

Joseph K. Beyer, Pres.
Beyer Studio, Inc. Phone 215-848-3502
Fax 215-848-3535
e-mail mail@beyerstudio.com

Related Terms:
PURCHASE PRICE - The price for which the windows can be purchased, is to be paid directly to the Archdiocesan Office of General Services.

REMOVAL COSTS - This fee paid will be to the studio performing the removal and documentation of the windows. If the windows are removed prior to purchase, the cost of removal will be reimbursed to the Archdiocese Office of General Services.

RESTORATION COST - This cost is an estimate of the time and materials required to restore any window for reuse in a new setting. This cost is only an estimate designed to assist parishes in budgeting and planning and does not include adapting the windows in ways that change their appearance from their original format.

STORAGE FEE - This cost is to defray the overhead expense of building the racks necessary for safe long-term storage as well as the maintenance and security of the warehouse facility. This one time cost will be paid to the Office of General Service. This cost applies only to project that require long-term storage.