Stained Glass Legacy

 Stained Glass Legacy: Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. ~James 5:7-8. Throwback to August when we had a chance to visit the lovely Saint Helena Cathedral. One of the many beautiful aspects of the cathedral is its stained glass.

 The Stained Glass Influence

It was made in Munich by none other than F.X Zettler. Franz Xavier Zettler, son-in-law of Joseph Gabriel Mayer, ventured into stained glass in 1870, gaining acclaim for his award-winning windows by 1873. His mastery of the Munich Style, characterized by detailed scenes and vibrant colors fused onto glass, positioned him as a leader. Zettler’s innovation extended to perfecting the three-point perspective, setting him apart as the first to use it in stained glass. Zettler’s prominence overshadowed even Louis Comfort Tiffany, evident when a Zettler window won the top prize at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.

Pioneering Stained Glass Worldwide

Known for quality design and technological innovations, Zettler and his Royal Bavarian Art Institute dominated the market for Catholic church windows, gracing churches worldwide. With Zettler’s death in 1916, the F.X. Zettler Co. merged with Mayer & Company in 1939. Although Mayer & Co. continues, its focus has diversified, engaging in global restoration projects for historic sites and contributing to religious works for various faiths.

While rooted in tradition, the company’s contemporary projects reflect a departure from the meticulous Munich Style, exploring modernistic and abstract designs for diverse venues.

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Soli Deo Gloria

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To inquire about the creation of bespoke vestments and paraments specifically tailored for your church, feel welcome to contact us.

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