FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What is The Glass Studio Showroom Collection?
The Showroom Collection is a group of exceptional stained glass windows and sandblasted art glass panels that were on display in our studio's showroom. They were made as examples of Stephen and Thomas Smylie’s artistic interests and technical skills. The pieces were displayed to inspire new commissions by featuring innovative designs and the best art glass. They also served as convenient references for glass colour and textural possibilities. The Showroom Collection reflects nearly the entire 38-year creative history of the studio.
Q. Are the Showroom Collection pieces new?
No. While the showroom windows are in nearly perfect condition (because they were always on display inside the studio), the earliest window dates from 1982 and the most recently-made panel dates to 2018. Many panels are signed, and some are dated as well.  Showroom Collection pieces are in excellent condition with no cracks or defects. Leaded glass pieces may have age-related patina variations typical of all stained glass windows. All pieces are sold on an 'as is' basis.
Q. How is your work priced?
Our Showroom Collection prices are based on what they would have cost you to buy from us as of 2018.  Items are priced to reflect the time and skill required to make them. While it might seem logical to charge 'by the square foot', size has little to do with cost. That's why some small windows cost more than bigger ones. The range of technical complexity in the showroom display windows varied enormously - ranging from simple panels requiring just over a day to make to complex artworks that took more than a month of skilled craftsmanship to fabricate.
The stained glass jewels and Lamberts rondels in our SURPLUS INVENTORY For SALE section are based on June 2020 prices.
Q. Why wasn't all of your work signed?
Well …. facepalm. We tried our very best to remember to sign and date everything we made but some panels unfortunately missed getting a signature. However, 99% of everything we made is photographically documented.
Q. How do I pay?
We require payment by E-transfer. We use Interac e-Transfer Autodeposit for enhanced security. Sorry, we do not accept cash, credit cards or cheques.
Q. Can I return an item for a refund or exchange?
No. We do not accept returns or offer exchanges. All sales are final.
Q. Will you deliver the window to me?
Yes. Showroom Collection pieces are delivered 'curbside' free of charge in the GTA. If you live far outside the GTA, a modest fee applies for delivery. Please inquire.
Q. Will you ship a window to me?
No. We do not use third-party shipping services. Shipping a valuable and fragile stained glass window requires careful crating, handling and specialized transport. We can refer you to companies that specialize in fine-art shipping but you'll have to make arrangements yourself after purchasing your piece.
Q. Do you ship jewels and rondels to the USA?
Sorry, no. We ship to Canadian customers only, by Canada Post.
Q. I'd like to hang the piece in a window - is that possible?
Yes. Any piece described as 'framed' is ready to hang. If the item is described as 'unframed' but is relatively small, we can fit it with tabs so you can easily hang it. Larger unframed panels need a frame for support if you want to hang them in your window. We can supply a custom-fitted aluminum frame - ready to hang, for an additional charge. We don't supply chain or wire but they're readily available at hardware stores. Sorry, we do not provide wood frames.
Q. Will you install the piece for me?
Sorry, no. Since closing our studio we no longer provide on-site installation services.
Q. The window I like isn't the right size - will you modify it for me?
Sorry, no. The Showroom Collection pieces are sold 'as is' and sizes can not be changed. Since closing our studio we no longer provide any custom services.
Q. Can I commission a custom-sized window if I can't find anything that fits from your Showroom Collection?
Sorry, no. Since closing our studio we no longer accept commissions for custom work.
Q. Can I use the panel I want without the frame or door it comes with?
Yes, absolutely. Frames or doors are included for free but, if you don’t need the frame or door, it’s recommended that you keep the panel in its frame or door until you are ready to install it. Frames or doors provide protection and support for the art glass while its in transit or storage. Once at your home, it’s easy to remove the art glass and then install it in the custom opening you prepare for it. The size details of all showroom pieces provide the size of the art glass with or without the door or frame. 
Q. Can I put your stained glass inside insulating glass? (also known as "inserts", "sealed units" or "thermal units")
Yes, you could but we think it's a really bad practice which we discourage for several reasons, both practical and aesthetic;
  • Stained glass does not need to be protected from the elements. It will easily last 100 years without covering.
  • From a purely aesthetic point of view, the two glass surfaces of insulated units create undesirable, reflective glare - obscuring the beauty, texture and detail of stained glass inside.
  • Most insulated glass warranties are only 10-20 years, some as short as 5 years. Insulated glass warranties rarely (if ever) cover the labour costs of replacement or risk of damage to the stained glass inside.
  • All insulated glass units have seals that will eventually fail. When that happens, interior glass surfaces fog and can't be cleaned. Your beautiful stained glass window is trapped between two layers of fogged glass. Someone will have to remove the insulated unit, break it apart - hopefully without damaging your stained glass - then take the fragile stained glass panel back to a factory to be re-glazed (entirely at your risk by the way). If all that goes well, they'll have to return to your home to re-install the new insulated-stained glass 'sandwich' unit. Sound like a bad idea fraught with risk? We certainly think so and that's why we never did it.
  • Leaded glass put inside insulated units can cause wide temperature variations within the unit, causing seal failure. Solar heat is absorbed by darker glass and lead, which damages lead by causing it to stretch, buckle and pull away from the glass sections.
  • Stained glass is not repairable once put inside an insulated glass unit. If a piece of glass spontaneously cracks in your stained glass window (not common, but not unheard of) it can't be repaired because it's trapped inside the insulated glass unit. Likewise, if the leaded glass buckles due to trapped heat, it's not repairable.
Here's a link to an informative, illustrated CBC article explaining thermal window seal failure