Glasinlood

Glasinlood is a term used in some Northern European languages to refer to the lead-based materials used to assemble and seal stained glass windows. In Dutch, the related term glas-in-lood literally means “glass in lead,” describing the method of joining glass pieces with strips of lead and sealing joints with additional material. In practice, glasinlood encompasses both the lead came that forms the structural frame around each glass piece and the solder used to connect came intersections.

The two main components of glasinlood are lead came and lead-tin solder. Lead came consists of flat or grooved strips that create channels to hold glass panes in place, providing the primary structural support for the panel. Solder, typically an alloy of tin and lead, is melted and applied at the joints where came pieces meet, sealing the joints and adding rigidity. The exact alloys and dimensions vary by regional tradition and historical period.

Historical context and use: Stained glass windows dating from medieval Europe relied on lead came and solder to produce large, intricate panels for churches and other buildings. Glasinlood allowed for flexible designs, color separation, and the creation of complex tracery. Later practices introduced variations, including additional protective putties and, in modern restoration, alternative metals or lead-free solders for health and environmental reasons.

Health, safety, and conservation: Lead-containing materials pose exposure and contamination risks, requiring proper ventilation, protective equipment, and safe disposal. Conservation of historic windows involves careful assessment of came condition, solder joints, and glazing putty, with interventions aimed at preserving original materials while ensuring structural stability.

See also: stained glass, lead came, lead-tin solder, glass conservation.