Tiffany Windows at the First Presbyterian Church in Lockport N.Y. (FREE)
Lockport N.Y.- A modest looking church, hovering over the historic Erie Canal is home to a set of stunning glass windows created by Louis Comfort Tiffany.
There is something about the ornate details and unique architecture used in the construction of churches that has always interested me. In Lockport, NY, a quaint, modest looking church located just a few steps from the historic Erie Canal, is home to a set of stunning stained-glass windows produced by the famed glass maker Louis Comfort Tiffany.
At the First Presbyterian Church (21 Church St. Lockport, N.Y. 14094, 716.433.5905) there are six Louis Comfort Tiffany Stained glass windows, which were commissioned at the turn of the 20th Century and dedicated to the church by its patrons. The unique production methods of Tiffany Windows, bold colors, creative use of mood, light and space make them an attraction to themselves. Each hand-painted window depicts a story from the Bible and when the sun is out, creates a kaleidoscope of colors inside of the church. Aside from the six original Louis Comfort Tiffany Windows, the church also has six windows made from Tiffany glass in its collection.
So, how are Tiffany Windows any different from those found at a local church? Tiffany utilized and mastered unusual construction techniques such as layering colored glass over another colored glass, the application of color in streaks or dry-brushing the color on the surface of the window and pulling and pushing glass while it cools to produce a drapery glass in order to produce his windows, among other unique techniques.
Tiffany, whose father owned Tiffany & Co. Jewelry in New York City, was one of the most noted glass artisans of the late 19th, early 20th century. Aside from his stained-glass windows, Tiffany was famous for the creation of glass mosaic lamps, jewelry and other artwork.
Aside from the windows at Lockport’s First Presbyterian Church, Tiffany’s creations can be found at Yale University, Arlington Street Church in Boston and a large collection in the Museum of Modern Art, among other museums and churches across the United States.
Individuals or groups can tour the church from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday. A self-guided audio interpretive wand system is available. Allow at least 45 minutes for viewing.
First Presbyterian ChurchAddress: 21 Church Street • Lockport, NY 14094
Phone: (716) 433-5905
Fax: (716) 433-7035
Email: info@1stpreslockport.org
Website: 1stpreslockport.org
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