The world of stained glass restoration and creation is a fascinating one, often overlooked yet brimming with historical significance and artistic innovation. This story, centered around Scottish Stained Glass and its founder Martin Faith, offers a unique glimpse into a niche industry with a rich past and an exciting future.
A Serendipitous Beginning
It all started with a chance encounter in an Aspen coffee shop. Martin Faith, a recent transplant from Scotland, noticed a stained glass piece for sale, its price seemingly disproportionate to its craftsmanship. This sparked an idea that would evolve into Scottish Stained Glass, a company now renowned for its expertise in this ancient art form.
From Glasgow to Colorado: Preserving Cultural Heritage
In Glasgow, many historic homes boasted beautiful stained glass panels, but as these older windows were replaced with more energy-efficient options, a piece of the city's cultural history was at risk of being lost. Martin, recognizing the value of these artistic panels, began collecting them, storing them in a warehouse. This collection formed the foundation of his business, as he shipped century-old Glasgow Style windows to a hungry market in Colorado.
A Business with Heart and Soul
For Martin, Scottish Stained Glass is more than just a business; it's a labor of love. His passion for stained glass began as a small boy, gazing up at the colorful windows in church. This love affair has endured, and today, his company has restored over 40,000 stained glass windows across the country, including significant projects like the Mother Cabrini Shrine and the historic Vernon AME Church, a survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre.
Artistic Innovation and Modern Adaptations
Under the guidance of conservator and master glass painter Maria Valentina Sheets, the studio is pushing the boundaries of stained glass art. Sheets is known for her hand-painted, kiln-fired stained glasswork and a technique called Vitreonics, which creates realistic images. The studio is also exploring the use of programmable LED backlighting, driving a wave of modern creativity and interest in this ancient art form.
A National Reach and a Bright Future
The pandemic forced Scottish Stained Glass to rethink its business model, and with a boosted online presence and Zoom consultations, the company expanded its market beyond Colorado. This expansion has been made possible with the support of the U.S. Small Business Administration, which named Martin Faith Colorado's Small Business Person of the Year. With this recognition and a new, larger building, the future looks bright for Scottish Stained Glass, as they continue to preserve and innovate in the world of stained glass.
Conclusion
Scottish Stained Glass is a testament to the power of passion and innovation. From its humble beginnings in a coffee shop to its current status as a leading stained glass restoration and creation company, the business has not only preserved a piece of cultural history but also pushed the boundaries of this ancient art form. As they continue to grow and adapt, one can't help but wonder what new and exciting creations and restorations they will bring to the world of stained glass.
