Ivy Creek UMC Stained Glass Restoration Project Overview
Charlottesville, VA
March 2025
About the Church
Ivy Creek United Methodist Church has been a cornerstone of the Charlottesville community for over two centuries. Known for its deep commitment to discipleship and community service, the church’s sanctuary has served as a place of refuge and worship since the early 19th century. As a vital, historic congregation, Ivy Creek continues to honor its 200-year legacy by maintaining its sacred spaces and ensuring its architecture remains a beacon of faith for future generations.
Our Work
Our team performed a comprehensive restoration and preservation project on seven of the church’s windows. The work was designed to address structural vulnerabilities while meticulously preserving the historical aesthetic of the sanctuary.
Window Restoration and Stabilization To restore the integrity of the leaded glass, we performed a series of technical repairs:
Re-cementing: Each window was re-cemented to strengthen the panels and provide a weatherproof seal against air and water infiltration.
Flattening and Repair: Bulged sections of glass were carefully reduced to their original profile, and cracked pieces were stabilized as necessary to ensure long-term durability.
Structural Bracing: We added support braces to the window frames where structural reinforcement was required to prevent future sagging or movement.
Architectural Integration A key focus of this project was ensuring that all protective measures remained sympathetic to the church’s architecture.
Custom Glazing Bars: When additional structural bars were required, they were custom-bent to follow the primary lines of the window framing. This technique ensures that the support system is visually integrated with the original design.
Millwork Refurbishment: All surrounding millwork was repainted, providing a clean, refreshed finish that complements the newly restored glass.
Klear-flo Protective Covering To safeguard the craftsmanship for years to come, we installed our exclusive Klear-flo protective covering system. Utilizing 1/4-inch high-grade acrylic, this system provides a durable, impact-resistant shield that protects the stained glass from environmental damage while remaining nearly invisible to the eye.
Resource
Ivy Creek United Methodist Church Official Website:ivycreekumc.org
Gallery
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Willet Studios brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of historical preservation to projects like the stained glass restoration at Ivy Creek United Methodist Church. Our commitment is to meticulously restore and protect these invaluable artistic and spiritual treasures, ensuring their beauty and integrity endure for generations to come.
Our team employs specialized techniques and high-quality materials to address the unique challenges presented by aged stained glass. From intricate lead repair to the application of protective glazing, every step is taken with precision and reverence for the original craftsmanship.
The Stained Glass Restoration Process Detailed
The restoration of the stained glass at Ivy Creek United Methodist Church involved a multifaceted approach to address wear and tear while preserving the original artistry. Key processes included re-cementing to ensure a weatherproof seal and structural integrity, as well as careful flattening and repair of glass pieces to maintain their original profile and stability.
Further enhancing the longevity and protection of the windows, custom glazing bars were fabricated and installed to match the existing framing, providing necessary structural support. The surrounding millwork also underwent refurbishment, including repainting, to create a cohesive and polished presentation that highlights the brilliance of the restored stained glass.
