Like any other custom work of art. commissioning a stained glass window may seem daunting, but is not difficult, and Helix aims to make the process easy and enjoyable.
Commissioned works are usually created in collaboration with the clients to include their likes - and avoid their dislikes. This may include choice of favourite colours, the inclusion of symbols or wording in order to obtain the chosen overall mood and effect. The location of the panel, and where the source of light comes from during the day needs to be considered. You may already have an idea of a style that you want but if you haven't, Helix has a good source of design ideas that you can browse through to use as inspiration.
Helix is happy to provide an estimate of costs at an early stage in thinking about installing a stained glass window, and we can always work to a budget if necessary.
Where the panel fits into an existing frame, exact measurements are needed. This is not always easy as frames such as fan lights may not always be rectangular with 90 degree corners. If you live in reasonable travelling distance Helix is able to visit you and take the measurements. Where it is impractical to make a site visit Helix will undertake the entire design and manufacture remotely, communicating entirely via mail, email or phone. In this case Helix will work from your measurements or a paper template and send back a paper design for you to check in the frame.
When the panel is finished the client may collect it from the studio or we will arrange for it to be shipped via courier. For panels requiring special installation, we recommend using professional fitters as glass can be heavy in large sizes.
Design Development and Approval
After initial sketches by hand, Helix uses computer-aided drafting of designs to help show the basic concepts of the design to the client. 
This allows potential alternatives to be shown. Once the design is complete a written quotation will be supplied and, if required, this includes full coloured, scaled presentations of the final panel as printouts or computer files, so that the client can see the overall effect of the final design. If requested, Helix can also provide actual samples of the glass proposed in the design to enable the client to see the colours and textures in-situ.
When the written quotation is approved, Helix will provide an estimate of the delivery time. Work will start on making the panel on payment of a 25% non-returnable deposit. At this stage exact window measurements may be required if these have not been provided earlier. Helix will advise the client how to do this prior to manufacture.
Note that it is advisable to allow as much time as possible when commissioning a stained glass panel because the process can take several weeks to complete depending on the size of the panel and the complexity of the design.
Panel Manufacture
Helix will make the panels at their workshop. When finished the unframed panels will be delivered to site in rigid packing boxes. The panels are normally supplied for fitting by a local carpenter or glazier chosen by the client or one recommended by us if necessary.
We can frame smaller samples ourselves. We normally use American White Oak (which we find complements the stained glass very well), or other materials chosen by you, depending on availability.
Compatibility with Double Glazing
Depending on the design of the double glazing system, and whether the glazing has already been installed, stained glass panels from Helix can be inserted in between the two pieces of glass, or as a replacement for the inner glass. We are happy to work with double glazing companies to ensure the panels are correctly fitted and hed in place.
If double glazing is already installed it may bepreferable to attach the stained glass on the inside of the room using an extra frame that attaches to the existing frame.
Prices & Deposit
The cost of a stained glass panel or window will vary considerably and depends on the size of the finished work, the complexity of the piece and the glass used.
The basic techniques for making stained glass window art have not changed for nearly 800 years. Creating a panel is labour intensive with every piece of glass being cut and adjusted to exact shape. The glass is then fitted into traditional lead housings, soldered, then sealed with putty. Finally the piece is cleaned and polished.
Traditionally panels are priced by area and range from about £60 per sq foot for a simple geometric design to £120 per sq foot or more for more complex designs, particularly if the glass requires additonal paintwork or other textures. Helix can work to a budget if requested, and modify designs to reduce the amount of very expensive glass types.
Installation is not included in the price.
The quotation is valid for three months. The outstanding balance is made prior to delivery. Full terms and conditions of sale are available on request.
Free-standing stained glass panels
Small stained glass panels work very well sitting on a windowsill, or hanging in a window as focal point. They may be mounted in one of several ways:
- Using wooden feet (shown below) for placing on a window sill. This is simple and often adequate if the window is not an opening pane and people are unlikely to knock into the panel. For more stability, non-slip pads or velcro patches can be attached to the bottom of the feet, or small screws can make a more permanent attachment to a sill.
- Hanging the panel is also practical, provided the fixings and the supporting chain or cord is suitable for the weight of the panel. Leaded glass panels can be quite heavy so care must be taken.
