Windows hampton court

Upon my inspection it was apparent that the window was in need of restoration. Although the condition of the leaded glass window was generally sound a number of painted pieces were cracked or broken. The damage to the window was caused by a variety of reasons but most likely due to the deterioration of the iron casements that caused stress on the fragile glass.

Superficial dirt on the internal surface of the painted glass was unanimously apparent. Therefore over a period of nine months, with the assistance of members of my studio, I meticulously conserved the window to its former glory. Hampton Court was originally transformed from a medieval manor, situated thirteen miles south-west of London into a palace deemed remarkable by contemporary observers by the English statesmen, Thomas Wolsely. However, just seven years after is initial completion, Henry VIII assumed occupancy and began a process of extensive remodelling which lasted for ten years.

The window, restored in the s by Thomas Willement, was therefore of great historic significance. It was for this reason that I made the conscious decision not to over clean or over work the panels so that they retained their historical integrity.

At all times during the nine-month procedure, during the work at the studio, whilst on site and during the process of preparing the post-conservation report I considered how the conservation will enable future generations to be aware of the work carried out, and how the conservation will prolong the life of the historic glass.

Throughout the whole process of the conservation I wished to retain as much of the original fabric and other subsequent glass and lead as possible. The work was meticulously undertaken with a full photographic record before, during and after the conservation necessary for the post-conservation report, which can be found on my website.

The documentation, taken in reflected and transmitted light, provided details of any cracks or holes in the glass, the lead types and sizes, previous insertions, the painted details and any other interesting marks of symbols. The guide books say Henry demolished Wolsey's hall to build something even more regal.

But after studying every stone and brick, Mr Foyle is convinced that Henry's hall was almost 20ft shorter but built on the original cellars and retaining Wolsey's window. They didn't carry out any unnecessary work. The window was only 11 years old, they couldn't have done better and it would have cost a fortune, so they kept it. Historian David Starkey, specialist on the Tudor period, said Mr Foyle's theory was almost certainly correct.

Henry was capable of being incredibly extravagant where the results warranted it and would be immediately visible. Otherwise it would be a case of make do and mend. His buildings tend to last far better. Mr Foyle found his first clue in the string courses, the stone moulding at the top of the exterior brick wall.

Instead of continuing across the window they have to drop down to meet it and also miss the string courses in adjoining walls. The only mention of the window he could find in Henry's bills is for carvings and stained glass.

The carvings in the fan vaulting must also have had Wolsey emblems. At the top Mr Foyle found the iron cramps which had clearly secured older carving.