Stained Glass Window Restoration Project: Royal Star & Garter

Sherriff Stained Glass Specialists is currently working on a stunning stained glass window restoration project as part of the renovation of the Royal Star and Garter building. The Royal Star and Garter, a grade II listed Neo-Classical building in Richmond, London was built between 1921 and 1924. Architect Sir Edwin Cooper designed the building and its first purpose was to accommodate injured servicemen.

The History of the Stained Glass Window at Royal Star & Garter

Artist John Dudley Forsyth (1874-1926), a renowned painter, sculptor and stained glass artist created the 3 stained glass windows in the entrance for the apsed memorial alcove. The stained glass windows depict various royal and military connections, including the Queen Mary who commanded the British Red Cross Society to care for the severely disabled service men.

Stained Glass Window Restoration

The stained glass window restoration project arose after the building was bought by housing developers for £50million. The building was deemed unusable as it didn’t meet modern requirements for the servicemen.

Sherriff Stained Glass Specialists and the team were called to conduct the exciting process of the stained glass window restorations. The three stained glass windows break down in to five sections that can be removed and restored. With the assistance of a site crane (that is visible from the M25) and 15 specially made boxes, one glass window was lowered into the skip at a time. This helped to avoid the risk of breaking the glass and too much man handling, so that the stained glass could be carried back to the workshop efficiently. Each stained glass window is estimated to be worth in excess of £100,000 so with £300,000 at stake - the team didn’t want to take any chances!

The three windows are suffering from age related issues including bowing and decaying lead, which will be restored as needed, including broken panes of glass repainted and fired in the glass kiln. Following this, the glass will then be submitted to several cleaning processes before being re boxed and taken back to the site.

The Royal Star and Garter Renovation

The Royal Star and Garter is currently being renovated into luxury apartments and penthouses. It offers a beautiful setting with iconic views of the river Thames, luxurious gardens and private facilities including a pool, spa and treatment room. Prices for a two bed apartment start at £1.75 million!

Steve Sheriff are proud to be working with the Royal Star and Garter and honoured to be taking on such a stunning stained glass window restoration project.

If you have a stained glass window that needs restoring or would like to learn more about our services, please call Sherriff Stained Glass Specialists on 01202 882208 or email info@lead-windows.co.uk