The 2009 American Glass Guild Conference
July 16-20, 2009
Buffalo, New York
2009 Conference
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Neal A. Vogel and John Clark
In Search of Diana & Endymion: The Research & Restoration of Lead Silhouette Windows
This presentation will cover the on-going saga to research and restore 334 lead silhouette (i.e. lead overlay) panels removed from the coach house of a Buffalo residence in 2002. Originally installed in 1928 by D’Ascenzo Studios, the windows depicting nudes and bacchanalia scenes were defrocked in circa 1950 by the Buffalo Diocese when the private residence was purchased for the Bishop’s residence.
The lead-overlay windows have presented many challenges including elusive missing artwork, technical challenges of removing and attaching lead-overlays on both faces, historic authenticity desired for the original steel windows and doors, and logistical complications of multiple contractors who have been involved over time. Other fine D’Ascenzo windows depicting both silhouette and painted Grimm’s Fairy tales and the Canterbury Tales are found in the primary residence.
About Neal Vogel
Neal Vogel is the Principal of Restoric, LLC, a restoration consulting and contracting business specializing in historic window restoration located in Evanston, Illinois. Neal has provided consulting and contracting services for a wide range of window, skylight and dome restoration projects over the past two decades including stained glass works by Tiffany Studios, Burne Jones, Maitland Armstrong, George Maher, Charles Connick, and D’Ascenzo Studios.
Neal teaches preservation courses for The School of the Art Institute’s Historic Preservation Program, Northwestern University’s School of Continuing Studies, and the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago’s, Interior Design Program. He has authored numerous technical articles and briefs on window restoration and ornamental glass for the National Park Service; New York Landmarks Conservancy, Old House Journal, Stained Glass and Traditional Building.
Neal primarily works as a team member on comprehensive window restoration projects representing the owner. He typically provides the historic research and design; technical investigation of the window frames and glass settings; and develops project drawings, specifications and documentation. However, his most enjoyable experience in the stained glass field is learning from artisans and craftsmen and sharing this knowledge and experience in promoting successful projects and stained glass restoration through articles and presentations.
Neal A. Vogel
Restoric, LLC
1604 Chicago Avenue, Suite 12
Evanston, Illinois 60201
Telephone: 847.492.0416 Fax: 847.492.9816
Email Address: restoricllc@earthlink.net
About John Wardell Clark
John Clark is the owner of Wardell Art Glass in Aurora, Illinois. John has worked in the stained glass craft since 1971, opening his own studio in 1981. He often collaborates with other stained glass professionals from the Midwest and beyond in designing, fabricating and installing new projects and restoring historic windows.
Some career highlights include: a comprehensive window project for Christ Church in Madison, Indiana with windows dating from the 1850s; a Tiffany window restoration for Church of Our Saviour in Chicago; conservation of the Grand Lobby window for the Chicago Theatre; and a recent salvage project which involved the successful reuse of sixteen windows in the Chicagoland Jewish High School.
John has been featured in Stained Glass magazine, Chicago Metallic, Inc. brochures and Preservation Brief #33. He has attended stained glass seminars from New Hampshire to California and is well known for his humble approach to the craft and camaraderie among stained glass artists ranging far and wide. Together with his wife Evelyn, John has developed a well-earned reputation for careful and skilled craftsmanship—and is renowned for restoration work of the highest caliber.
John Clark
Wardell Art Glass
28 S. Stolp Avenue
Aurora, Illinois 60506
Phone: 630.896.4181 Fax: 630.896-4181
