The Broadway panel commission was the largest restoration project in the short history of Emerson’s Stained Glass Studio, and it proved to be quite an adventure in preserving a piece of the past.

From the beginning, this project challenged us in ways we had never experienced before. Each panel held its own story, and as the work progressed, we discovered just how much damage time had left behind. The challenge was not simply to repair the panels, but to understand their condition, determine the best approach for each one, and preserve as much of the original historical glass as possible. After all, that glass was part of the very history we were working so hard to protect.

Along the way, the studio learned new techniques and explored different methods of cleaning, handling, and repairing these aging panels. Every discovery brought new lessons, a few unexpected challenges, and a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship of those who had come before us.

Looking back, there were certainly moments when the project tested the limits of our small studio. But seeing the panels restored made every challenge worthwhile. There is something special about knowing that, in our own small way, we have become part of their long history.

Our hope is that these panels will continue to tell their story for many years to come, standing as a reminder of the hands that first created them, the generations who preserved them, and the care taken today to ensure they will be enjoyed for years to come.

At Emerson’s Stained Glass Studio, we believe preserving the past is more than repairing glass. It is about honoring the craftsmanship, history, and stories that deserve to live on.