Transporting and moving leaded panels

There's a programme on TV this week (Channel 4, 5.30pm) which is a sort of competition for the transportation industry. One of the things that had to be transported was a set of seven Victorian leaded stained glass panels.

The commentator kept describing them as 'irreplaceable' - actually, the glass was mostly pastel English Muffle, available from Decorative Glass (http://www.decorativeglasssupplies.co.uk/). Maybe this was to wind up the contestants a bit, who seemed very, very nervous about trying to move them.

Actually, it's easy. Each panel must be on a firm board (12mm MDF is best), ideally with two sides edged with 2 x 1 timber. It should be kept on it right until it is fitted into the frame: here's a photo of my garden mirror panel, on its board, prior to fitting:

 

The board can be leant at an angle, and the timber edges keep the panel on it. For transportation, I cover the panel with either hardboard or stiff cardboard, and tie the whole thing up with strong tape, before putting the board into the car or van, ideally on its long edge with the timber support at the bottom, and secured in place, padded out with old curtains or something soft. They'll survive anything encountered in normal driving if protected like this.

 

#Stainedglass #Transportation