Glensheen Stained Glass Conservation: Main Staircase Landing
Glensheen, a 39-room, 27,000 sq. foot mansion, was developed by the Congdon family on Lake Superior's scenic north shore between 1905 and 1908. The estate attracts more than 140,000 visitors annually. During a 2016 survey, conservators examined the three stained glass window sets at Glensheen located in the mansion's main staircase landing. The condition of the middle window set made it the highest priority for treatment.
The treatment goal was to clean and stabilize the middle set of windows. The windows were removed from the wood sash. The cracks were repaired, glass was bonded, and failed metal was replaced. The windows were reset in the original sash by strategically applying weight to allow windows to return to a planar state. The extended life of the stained glass within Glensheen Mansion, as a whole, provides enhanced immersion in the historic house museum environment and will continue to do so for years to come.
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$4,500,000 the first year and $6,500,000 the second year are for history programs and projects operated or conducted by or through local, county, regional, or other historical or cultural organizations or for activities to preserve significant historic and cultural resources. Funds are to be distributed through a competitive grant process. The Minnesota Historical Society must administer these funds using established grant mechanisms, with assistance from the advisory committee created under Laws 2009, chapter 172, article 4, section 2, subdivision 4, paragraph (b), item (ii).
Available upon request. grants@mnhs.org
SHORT TERM GOAL
- Expected Impact: Upon treatment conclusion, the status of the middle window set will be judged to be in fair to good condition.
- Progress Indicator: Bulges and cracks will be decreased or eliminated. Coloration may be restored. Grout will be stabilized. Dirt and grime will be eliminated.
- Resolution: Goal achieved. Bulges and cracks were decreased, windows were returned to a more planar state. Coloration was improved in the orange colored glass. Grout was stabilized by removal and re-grouting where necessary. Dirt and grime was eliminated by cleaning the glass.
INTERMEDIATE TERM GOAL
- Expected Impact: Upon project conclusion, handling and treatment of the middle window set will meet the review standards of the collections management policy.
- Progress Indicator: The Glensheen Collections Committee deems the project to meet the collections management policy standards.
- Resolution: The Glensheen Collections Committee is slated to make a full review of the handling and treatment of the middle window set during their June 2019 meeting.
LONG TERM GOAL
- Expected Impact: After five years, the status of the middle window set will be judged to be in fair to good condition.
- Progress Indicator: There will be minimal bulges, cracks, dirt, and grime. Coloration will be minimally changed. Grout will be in stable condition.
- Resolution: After the Spring of 2024, the windows will again be assessed.
Available upon request, grants@mnhs.org