Gary Smith Bronson became interested in leaded and stained glass when he and
his partner, Fred Wolfe, Jr., purchased a Victorian home in 1971. By 1983
they owned three Victorians on the same block, built in 1894 and having
original leaded glass windows and attic skylites in better or worse
condition. In 1983 Fred designed transoms and lites for two doorways in
their home and Gary
made the six panels needed.
Gary's
background is teaching, school administration, retail, and campus ministry
administration. Both have experience in design and hands on
restoration of three Victorian houses. During 2001-2002, Gary took a year off
to work on their home and decided to restore all the leaded glass in their
home and add to the collection. Fred and friends encouraged him to do
leaded glass for others. Commissions for the Green Line Cafe and
several residences followed and the business grew. In the summer of
2002, Gary accepted a position at the
Christian Association at the University
of Pennsylvania, and
continues to do stained glass commissions.
The cost for restoration is $80 to $200 per square foot and for new work
$125 to $300. More curves, smaller pieces of glass, or use of cames
other than lead add to the cost. Straight lines and larger pieces
lessen the cost.
