Orignal Emmond House window
I’ve been wanting to create a new glass panel based on Frank Lloyd Wright’s stained glass windows in the Robert Emmond house. The windows in the 1893 home draw inspiration from his early Oak Park Studio. A variation of the diamond pattern that he made extensive use of in Oak Park can be found in almost every room of the Emmond House.
Creating The Stained Glass Pattern
A few months ago I was talking to a professional glaser that specializes in stained glass repair and restoration. During our chat, he was telling me that consistent diamond patterns can be tricky and take lots fo patience. I’m always up for a challenge. So after hearing that I thought for this first project, I would try to start with something as simplified as possible.
After sitting at the computer crafting my design simplicity still left me with a 69 piece puzzle to assemble. Below is a look at at the final design ready for the first piece of glass.
16″ x 9″ design in the style of the Emmond House.
A Little Bit of Patience and Old Salvaged Glass
Based on the number of pieces, I am expecting this 16″ by 9″ panel to take about 9 or 10 hours to make. I’ll be using vintage glass I picked up from my favorite architectural salvage warehouse, Reuse Depot. At a cost of about 4 dollars for all the glass I’ll need I can’t see how I’d shop anywhere else for clear glass.
Watch the Frank Lloyd Wright Stained Glass Pattern As it Takes Shape
For this project, I’ll be taking lots of photos along the way. I’ll capture all the good, the bad and the ugly of the journey. For the build, I’m going to attempt to start in the upper left corner and work my way across and down. Thinking in through I can already see how the diamonds are going to required some precision lead came cutting.
If all goes well I’ll have something I can hang with pride at the end of the project. Check back soon for a progress update.
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