~ “Jacob’s Dream” ~
In 2019 I was asked by Alvah and Forglen Community Council, and the Friends of Forglen Hall, to restore their beautiful window at the back of their community Hall.
The window, depicting “Jacob’s Dream” by Clayton & Bell, was originally installed in Ardmiddle House in 1868, and had been gifted to the Hall when it was built after WW1 in 1924.
Unfortunately, time, and numerous impact damage had taken its toll, and almost one third of the window was either broken or, in some places, missing.
I was given the challenge of bringing it back to life.
Forglen Before Conservation
The whole window before removal, showing numerous holes and impact damage (about 25%)
Forglen Removal
Removal of two of four panels
Face and upper body of "Jacob", showing extent of significant damage
Broken Head
Before removal, showing the extent of damage
Broken head and drapery
Only fragments of some pieces of the original glass were left
Microscopy
Studying the original glass type and pigment colour prior to starting work on the window
Cartoon showing amount of damage / broken / missing glass
Cartoon showing amount of damage / broken / missing glass
New head
The finished hand and head replacements in situ.
New foot
New painted foot to match old broken foot
New hand
New painted hand to match old broken hand
New flowers
New painted flower background next to the old broken piece.
During Conservation
Removal of individual pieces of glass during the Conservation process. Damage to the left knee is clearly visible.
After Conservation
After Conservation
Newly painted head, Forglen heads are better than one
Linda holding one of three rejected heads, during the opening celebrations. The old damaged and taped-up head is being held by the local MP
Opening celebrations
The finished window, fully restored at the opening celebrations. L-R, Linda Cannon, Jim Bayne, Lord Luitenant Andrew Simpson, Rhoda Burns
new drawing
