Belcher mosaic windows

The timeline established by Krueger shows that the company, then called Cooper & Belcher Glass, began producing decorative windows as early as 1855.

[4] Designs included in this publication ranged from simple mixes of colors and shapes, complex geometric patterns, transom lights with building numbers for secular use, and figural scenes for religious settings.

It should also be noted that surviving examples of Belcher mosaic windows do show that both the patented matrix system and traditional leaded method were sometimes used in the same panel.

[5] Belcher mosaic windows were created following a patented method of applying a molten metal matrix to a pre-arranged design of glass tesserae.

As specified in his patent application for this method, Henry Belcher sought to improve upon leaded stained glass, utilizing advances in technology to produce a more durable and cost-effective product.

Henry F Belcher's first patent submitted in 1884 illustrates the process by which pieces of glass were adhered to sheets of asbestos with space intentionally left in-between for the metal matrix.

After the sandwiched layers were fully prepared, the mold was filled with the molten metal, an alloy composed of lead, bismuth, tin, copper, and antimony.

In May 1885, Henry Belcher submitted a second patent that expanded on his initial production process by presenting methods to improve the overall durability, strength, and appearance of the window.

Essentially, the strip of metal would act as a flange of lead, overlapping the edges of glass, while the poured matrix would run underneath to form the core or heart.

While his previous process of creating ribs had offered some reinforcement, the addition of non-lead based metal supports provided greater resistance to buckling.

Comparisons between Belcher mosaic windows and cloisonné, a technique dating back to Mycenae which involves creating a thin and complex metal matrix across a surface and then filling the small sections with colorful material ranging from glass, gemstones, and enamel.

Typical classical motifs employed in Belcher mosaic windows include flowers, leaves, scrolls, swags, and ribbons (fig.

Both the Belcher and copper-foil technique were developed and utilized near the end of the 19th century and built upon an established tradition of mosaic decorative windows within the United States.

While both utilized smaller pieces of glass held in place by a visually continuous matrix, Belcher mosaic windows are easily distinguishable from those made via copper-foiling.

Copper-foiled components typically have a tight fit and while there may be some variation in the width of the matrix, it displays more uniformity and flow across the design.Belcher mosaic windows were installed in both public and residential settings.

Additional examples are on public display in Chicago, Illinois as part of Macy’s The Art of American Victorian Stained Glass exhibit, located in the department store's State Street pedway.

Figure 1 “Earth, Art, Fire and Water: Museum No. 1078" Belcher Mosaic Glass Company. 1885–1887. Originally housed in a mansion in East Milwaukee, the window is now part of Macy's The Art of American Victorian Stained Glass exhibit, located in the Chicago department store's State Street pedway.
Figure 2 "Standing Woman: Museum No. 6.1029" Belcher Mosaic Glass Company. 1885–1897. Macy's The Art of American Victorian Stained Glass exhibit, located in the Chicago department store's State Street pedway.
Figure 3 Example of a color gradient window design from the Belcher Mosaic Glass Company Catalogue, 1886.
Figure 4 Mosaic door light designs from the Belcher Mosaic Glass Company Catalogue, 1886, Designed by W. H. Day.
Figure 5 Vestibule door design from the Belcher Mosaic Glass Company Catalogue, 1886, designed by Alfred Pilgrim.
Figure 6 Transom light design with building number from the Belcher Mosaic Glass Company Catalogue, 1886, designed by Alfred Pilgrim.
Figure 7 “Japanese Window” design with bats against the night sky, number from the Belcher Mosaic Glass Company Catalogue, 1886, designed by W. H. Day.
Figure 8 A design for a trio of religious themed lancet windows showing the crucifixion, from the Belcher Mosaic Glass Company Catalogue, 1886, designed by Fr. Verneyder.