Stained Glass Windows: A Colourful History

Stained glass windows have been around for centuries and have been used to decorate churches, cathedrals, and other buildings. They are made by cutting pieces of coloured glass and fitting them together to create a design. Here are some fun facts about the history of stained glass windows:

1. The earliest known stained glass windows were made in the Roman Empire in the 4th century AD. They were used to decorate the homes of wealthy citizens.

2. Stained glass windows became popular in churches during the Middle Ages. They were used to tell stories from the Bible to people who couldn’t read.

3. The oldest known stained glass window in England is in the Canterbury Cathedral and dates back to the 12th century.

4. During the Renaissance, stained glass windows became more elaborate and were used to depict scenes from mythology and history.

5. In the 19th century, stained glass windows became popular in homes and public buildings. They were used to add colour and beauty to otherwise plain buildings.

6. The Tiffany Company, founded by Louis Comfort Tiffany in the late 1800s, became famous for its stained glass windows. Tiffany used a technique called “Favrile” to create iridescent glass that shimmered in the light.

7. Stained glass windows were also used in Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles in the early 20th century. These styles featured bold colours and geometric shapes.

8. Today, stained glass windows are still used in churches and other buildings. They are also popular as decorative pieces in homes.

So next time you see a stained glass window, remember the colourful history behind it!