Restoration of historic stained glass, glazing. Renovation, repair, glazing stained glass. Windows vitraj.

Artist glazier Jiřička-Coufal restores, renovates historic stained glass, glazes and refines stained-glass windows.

About Restoration of Stained Glass

Introduction to the world of stained glass restoration, vitraj, stained glass decorations. How to restore stained glass. / About the restoration of historical stained glass, stained glasses, stained glass decorations.
CATHEDRAL OF ST. VITUS, WENCESLAS AND ADALBERT AT THE PRAGUE CASTLE – TRANSPORT OF DISMANTLED STAINED GLASS FOR RESTORATION
CATHEDRAL OF ST. VITUS, WENCESLAS AND ADALBERT AT THE PRAGUE CASTLE Transport of dismantled stained glass for restoration

BASIC CONCEPT OF RESTORATION STAINED GLASS, VITAJI

T he first, and truly modern concept of restoration of stained glass in Czech, was created in the late 60s and 70s in our studio as a collaboration of Joseph Jiřička jun., and art historian Mgr. Ludvík Losos, then worker of SÚPOP, who still aid us with his vast experiences and knowledge to this day. This concept was first used during the restoration of four Gothic stained glass in the st. Bartholomew church in Kolín (built around 1370). The detailed description of this restoration process, together with accompanying photographs, was published in magazine “Umění“ (issue 2, year 1979)

Since that time, hundreds of square meters of historic stained glass have passed through our studio and even though restoration today uses modern technologies and materials, basic concept remained the same. Pillar of skillfully executed restoration work still is, beside historical knowledge, experience and a technological overview and handcraft skills and respect as well, responsibility and ability to perceive and honor continuity.

While preparing plans for restoration of the specific stained glass, it is important to take into account its historical, artistic and aesthetic value. Correctly determine the extent of damage and to clearly specify used material – to distinguish original parts from latter additions, which may themselves have historical value as well. Only after surveying all these aspects, we can start with the restoration itself, which can range from only partial work on-the-spot or complete restoration , which consists of the exchange of lead network, conservation and filling in glass painted elements.

Essential part of the restoration process is final restoration report, which should include complete list, with clear description of executed interventions, including recommendation about protective mode and detailed photographic documentation of the entire process.

OUR MOST PRESTIGIOUS RESTORATIONS ARTISTIC GLAZIER JIŘIČKA - COUFAL PRAGUE FOR RENOVATION, RESTORATION, MANUFACTURE OF STAINED GLASS

During decades of our existence, we have carried out hundreds of restorations throughout Bohemia, Moravia and Slovakia. Here is a summary of the most prestigious ones:

    70‘s

  • Four Gothic stained glass from the 14th century from st. Bartholomew church in Kolin nad Labem (restored as a part of participation in the international exhibition "Exempla 1971" in Munich) Published: František Matouš, MITTELALTERLICHE GLASMALEREI IN DER TSCHECHOSLOWAKEI, ACADEMIA, 1975
  • Gothic stained glass from the 14th century from the Church of st. Procopius in Nadslav. Published: František Matouš, MITTELALTERLICHE GLASMALEREI IN DER TSCHECHOSLOWAKEI, ACADEMIA, 1975
  • Gothic stained glass from the 14th century in Osek Monastery Published: František Matouš, MITTELALTERLICHE GLASMALEREI IN DER TSCHECHOSLOWAKEI, ACADEMIA, 1975

    80‘s

  • Fragments of Gothic windows, which are currently placed in the chapel at the Orlík castle
  • Fragments of Gothic stained glass from the collection located at Křivoklát Castle.
  • Two fragments of Gothic stained glass from the collection located in the Kost castle.
  • Restoration of the stained glass at the st. Elisabeth Cathedral in Košice (Slovakia)
ST. VITUS, ST WENCESLAS, ST ADALBERT CATHEDRAL, 
                      PRAGUE CASTLE – TRANSPORT OF DISMANTLED STAINED GLASS TO BE RESTORED
Production of replicas of historical glassworks

    90’s - today

  • Restoration of the stained glass at Church of Sts. Simon and Jude (Prague 1)
  • Restoration of the stained glass windows at The Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord (Prague 3 – Žižkov) Published: Stanislav Juhaňák, KOSTEL NEJSVĚTEJŠÍHO SRDCE PÁNĚ, Triton, 2012
  • Restoration of the stained glass at st. Salvator Church (Prague 1)
  • Restoration of the stained glass at st. Bartholomew church in Pilsen
  • Restoration of the stained glass windows at the Great Synagogue in Pilsen
  • Restoration of the stained glass at st. Nicholas church in Prague 1(Old Town Square)
  • Restoration of all the stained glass windows at st. Vitus, st. Wenceslas, st. Adalbert Cathedral at Prague castle (ongoing)
  • Restoration of all the stained glass from the Vladislav Hall at Prague Castle (ongoing)
  • Restoration of all the stained glass from the Old Royal Palace at Prague Castle (ongoing)
  • Restoration of the stained glass at Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius (Prague 8 – Karlín) Published: collective of authors, KARLÍN CHRÁM SV. CYRILA A METODĚJE, Karmelitánské nakladatelství, 2007
  • Restoration of the stained glass at st. Bartholomew church in Pardubice
  • Four Gothic stained glass from the 14th century from st. Bartholomew church in Kolin nad Labem
  • Restoration of the stained glass in the Chapel of the Assumption of Our Lady (Prague 1)
  • Restoration of the stained glass at the Basilica of Assumption of Mary and Saint Cyrillus and Methodius (Velehrad)
  • Restoration of the stained glass at st. Wenceslaus church in Stará Boleslav, including stained glass from the former st. Cosmas and Damian church
  • CHAPEL OF ST. ANNE IN LHOTKA U LOCHOVIC – STAINED GLASS BEFORE AND AFTER RESTORATION
  • Restoration of the stained glass at the church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Stará Boleslav
  • Restoration of the stained glass from the Maisel Synagogue (Prague 1)
  • Restoration of the stained glass from the Jubilee Synagogue (Prague 1)
  • Restoration of the stained glass from the Spanish Synagogue (Prague 1)
  • Restoration of the stained glass from the Old New Synagogue (Prague 1)
  • Restoration of the stained glass from the building of Czech Insurance Company, Prague 1 – Nové Město
  • Restoration of all the windows at the National Memorial on Vítkov hill, Prague 3 - Žižkov
  • Restoration of the stained glass in Bridge towers on Charles Bridge in Prague
  • Restoration of the stained glass windows at the Powder Gate in Prague
  • Restoration of the stained glass windows at the Powder Gate in Prague
  • Restoration of the stained glass at the building of Embassy of the Czech Republic in The Hague
  • Continuous restoration of all stained glass windows from the Vladislav Hall at the Prague Castle
  • Continuous restoration of all stained glass windows from the Old Royal Palace in the Prague Castle