Many stained glass workshops offer a comprehensive restoration, conservation and repair service for all forms of traditional and contemporary stained glass - from original medieval glass through Victorian, Edwardian, art nouveau, art deco to modern art glass. These studios specialise in the repair of damage to leaded lights and all forms of decorative glass and often offer a specialist service for clients from the domestic, corporate and ecclesiastic sectors. Stained glass is a method of creating decorative (illustrative or patterned) panels which can be used as a way of enhancing natural daylight or architectural lighting. A number of small fragmented shapes are set within a flat net-like structure or 'caming' (traditionally lead; but brass, copper and zinc may also be used). This network of glass and caming is placed in a wooden frame or panel and then installed as part of a building or interior.

Some form of restoration or repair is likely to be required about 80 to 100 years after a stained glass panel was made and installed. Stained glass conservation, restoration and repair work is carried out when there is obvious evidence of deterioration. The panel may appear to bow out or sink or there may be cracking on the surface of the lead or on the surface of the glass itself. Other effects of deterioration may be the loosening of the glass (causing rattling or leakage).

Stained glass conservation is undertaken on all forms of panelling from those found in relatively modern domestic situations (lead lights and art glass panels) through to the eleborate works making up historic interiors and stained glass pieces which decorate ancient ecclesiastic buildings.

The art of stained glass conservation and restoration is wide ranging and the practice requires tremendous knowledge and skill. A conservationist needs to develop a keen sense of history of design, an in-depth knowledge of glass chemistry and production and an understanding of the various techniques used in the creation of all forms of stained glass.

At the onset of any sign of deterioration in a panel of stained glass, it is advisable to contact a professional conservation and repair service.