Whether you’ve only seen stained glass in religious buildings or have some in your own home, you
know just how special and ornate it is. From early Egyptians to modern businesses, stained glass has always been a part of humanity. Below are three fun facts about stained glass you may not have known!
The First Pieces of Decorative Glass Are From 2750 BCE
Credited to the Egyptians, the oldest pieces of decorative glass date back to 2750 BCE. They made decorative beads of glass by winding the molten glass around a clay core, which would then be removed!
However, the oldest stained glass in Europe dates back to 686 AD. These fragments were found in a Monastery in the United Kingdom and are considered the earliest evidence of stained glass windows!
Medieval Artists Added Themselves
You may think they added themselves in order to receive credit or fame. However, it likely was just to show everyday life. Humanity has always strived to show our everyday occurrences, from cave paintings of hunting to the modern day, where we post pictures of ourselves, sharing our routines creates a sense of community.
This is the case with Medieval artists! They often added themselves into their pieces to have working-class representation.
The Largest Stained Glass Window is 22,381 Square Feet
The largest stained glass window is located at the Resurrection Cemetery in Justice, Illinois. It spans a massive 22,381 feet and features religious depictions. While it may not be on the list of the most famous pieces, it is certainly the largest!
While the ways that we make stained glass may have changed, it is still a beautiful addition to your home or business. Don’t hesitate to make your home or business your own private work of art. At Cumberland Stained Glass, we pride ourselves on creating thoughtful, ornate, stained glass pieces. To get started on your stained glass service, or to inquire about restoring stained glass, please call us at 717-691-8290.