Knoxville, TN
September 2025
Restoration/ Re-lead
About the Church
First Presbyterian Church has been a part of the Knoxville community for more than 200 years. The congregation’s current Gothic Revival-style sanctuary, completed in the early 20th century, is home to an extensive collection of stained glass that contributes to the beauty and character of the worship space.
Our Work
Willet Studios completed a historic restoration project involving three Tiffany stained glass windows at First Presbyterian Church. The collection included two jeweled windows and one window depicting two angels.
The project included a complete historic restoration of each window, along with structural evaluation, millwork restoration, and the installation of new protective coverings.
Historic Restoration
Each stained glass window was carefully removed from the church so that a comprehensive historic restoration could be completed.
During restoration, temporary plywood was installed in the vacated window openings to protect the church while the stained glass was being restored.
Each Tiffany window then underwent a complete historic restoration process before being carefully reinstalled in its original opening.
Structural Support & Stabilization
Following restoration, the windows were carefully evaluated to determine whether additional fin supports were needed and where they could be placed to provide the greatest structural benefit with minimal visual interruption.
Supplemental supports were fabricated from nonferrous metal or specially treated metal designed to prevent corrosion. The supports were then tinned and sweat soldered to the lead came, creating additional structural stability while maintaining the historic appearance of the windows.
Klear-Flo™ Protective Coverings
Each of the three restored windows received the Klear-Flo™ protective covering system. A specialized perimeter frame with 1/4-inch acrylic was installed to provide an additional layer of protection for the historic Tiffany glass.
The Klear-Flo™ system helps protect stained glass from potential impact and environmental exposure while allowing the original artwork to remain visible.
Millwork & Ventilator Work
The millwork surrounding the windows was repainted as part of the project, refreshing the appearance of the window openings.
Some existing ventilators were also sealed shut where necessary to improve the overall protection of the window assemblies.
Through meticulous historic restoration, structural evaluation and stabilization, millwork restoration, and the installation of new Klear-Flo™ protective coverings, Willet Studios helped preserve these three Tiffany windows at First Presbyterian Church for future generations.
Resource
First Presbyterian Church: fpcknox.org
