A Return to Glory: Conserving an 1898 Window by Tiffany Glass & Decorating Company at the Briarcliff Congregational Church
Briarcliff Manor, NY
Tuesday, February 10
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Photo Credit: Kelly Marsh, 2025
A spectacular collection of stained-glass windows adorns the Briarcliff Congregational Church in New York’s Hudson River Valley. Louis C. Tiffany’s renowned studios provided seven of these windows, including a monumental landscape designed by Agnes F. Northrop, and six figural windows, many of which were designed by Frederick Wilson, head of Tiffany's Ecclesiastical Department; two additional windows are attributed to Wilson, but for the Gorham Studios in Providence, RI. In addition, windows were provided by J&R Lamb Studios in New Jersey, Willet Studios in Philadelphia, John Hardman Studios in England, and Vivienne Gardner of Bermuda.
The church tour will offer a close-up view of the collection and a special look at the recently conserved 1898 Joseph Making Himself Known to His Brethren window. It is an an imposing and unusual work of illuminated art located at the back of the church. Dedicated on Thanksgiving Day in 1898, the memorial window depicts Joseph as a high-ranking Egyptian ruler reuniting with his brothers, as described in the book of Genesis. The complex composition of this window masterfully depicts thirteen figures in a richly decorated Egyptian interior.
Brianne Van Vorst of Liberty Stained Glass Conservation (LSGC) will lead the tour, explaining the existing condition of the windows and the issues of concern, such as the lead matrix holding the pieces of glass together in the window, which was severely slumped, causing the window to buckle. Additionally, in 1982, the bottom panels of the window were cut and modified to accommodate new ventilator frames, altering the original design and leaving the window forever changed. Liberty supervised the conservation treatment to repair and restore the window, beginning in early 2025. The treatment focused on removing past (non-original) additions to the window, repairing broken glass, and installing an Environmental Protective Glazing (isothermal) system on the exterior of the church to prevent further degradation and damage. The conservation and protection were carried out by Femenella & Associates.
Today, the newly conserved window has been reinstalled in the Briarcliff Congregational Church, where it will continue to inspire the current and future congregation with its beauty and message of goodness, forgiveness, and reconciliation. We hope to see you at the tour!
Event Leaders
Brianne Van Vorst, Principal of Liberty Stained Glass Conservation and Karen Sharman of Briarcliff Congregational Church would like to provide a brief introduction into the history of the church and congregation.
Details & Logistics:
Tickets
- APTNE Member / Sponsor: $15
- Students & Non-member* Student: $5
- *Non-member students may receive the Student Member rate *provided that a copy of your student ID is uploaded for verification
- Non-Members: $20
Address
- 30 S State Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
Transportation Parking Meeting Locations
- On street parking and parking lot across the street.
Photography
Accessibility
Meals / Refreshments
- Coffee, tea and pastries will be provided
Thank you to our sponsors, Liberty Stained Glass Consulting and Femenella & Associates Inc!
 
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