We look at the world of architecture today and we see nothing but giant stone structures and metal reinforced buildings that symbolize power and arrogance among cities nationwide. Rarely, do we see colorful buildings, painted with the vibrancy of life like we do in cathedrals or churches through stained glass. In year’s past, stained glass was used to tell the stories of many, by painting pictures on glass windows, constructed ever so delicately and precise. Now, we only come to see these pieces in houses of religion and factories of worship.
More often than not, these days churches will be the only structures to continue using ‘stained glass’, or as most refer to it now as ‘art glass.’ Even the association to its religious connotations have turned architectural firms and clients of their nature off from discussing the likelihood of its existence in their buildings. The sad part about it all is the fact that businesses aren’t open to the idea of stained glass being considered an art anymore, and one that could set their trademark apart from the rest.
Glass artisans of this nature are continuing to walk down the beaten path as their ever fading business continues to decline. With the thought of more cathedrals, churches and places of worship being built diminishing ever so quickly, their options of expanding their clientele might have to be put into motion sooner rather than later. You can only make so much revenue by focusing your artwork and your business on constructing and selling lampshades and individual glass pieces to residential homeowners interested in the art.
As time goes on, these artisans and advocates for the art of stained glass may need to make a push to have their product sold to bigger businesses with monumental buildings as focal points of large cities. As did London’s very own Gherkin skyscraper, others of that sort around the globe may want to take into account adding some color to their look, as it may end up working out as well as it does for London’s Gherkin.