Secondhand leadlights have a character that new work cannot quite capture. Many were made generations ago, for houses that have since been renovated or demolished, and they carry the glass, colours and craftsmanship of their time. Verity Leadlights buys and sells secondhand leadlights at our shop at 82 Derby Street, Kew, and we have been working with leadlight since 1979.
Why buy a secondhand leadlight?
- Authentic period character for a restoration or renovation
- Original glass that can be hard or impossible to buy new
- A way to fill a gap where an original panel was lost
- Something different for a new home, a bar, a cabinet or a garden room
- A decorative panel to hang in a window or display as art
- Reusing good craftsmanship rather than letting it go to waste
What you might find
Our stock of secondhand leadlights changes as panels come and go, so what is available varies. Over the years, panels we have seen include Victorian margins and door panels, Federation and Edwardian windows with curves and opalescent glass, interwar geometric panels and Art Deco designs, along with occasional later pieces. Because stock changes, the best approach is to call us and tell us what you are looking for.
Checking the condition
Secondhand leadlights vary in condition. Before buying, it is worth knowing what to look for:
- Bowing: a panel that is not flat may need re-leading
- Broken or cracked glass: individual pieces can usually be replaced
- Loose glass: often a sign the cement has worn out
- Cracked solder joints: a sign of fatigue
- Frame condition: if the panel is still in a sash, check the timber
We can explain the condition of any panel we sell and what it would need to be fully sound.
Measuring before you shop
If you are looking for a panel to fit a particular opening, measure it before you call. Note the width and height of the glass area, not the whole frame, and whether the panel will go into a door, a sash window or a fixed frame. Tell us which way the window faces and what the room is used for, as that affects how the glass will look in daylight. A quick picture of the house front and the opening on your phone also helps us suggest panels that suit the era of your home.
Restoring and resizing
A secondhand leadlight rarely fits an opening exactly. We can restore secondhand panels with new lead, solder and cement, so they are sound for many years to come. We can also adapt panels to fit, for example by adding or adjusting a border, so a panel suits your window or door. Some resizing is more successful than others, depending on the design, and we will tell you honestly what will look right.
Safety glass and insulation
If a secondhand leadlight is going into a door, sidelight or another location where safety glass is required under AS 1288, it can be combined with suitable safety glass. It can also be triple glazed, which protects the old glass and improves insulation and noise reduction.
Ideas for using secondhand leadlight
Restoring a period home
If your home has lost original leadlight, a secondhand panel of the right era may be a closer match than a new reproduction.
Bringing character to a new home
A salvaged panel in an entry, stair landing or internal window can give a new home a sense of history.
Furniture and joinery
Smaller panels can be built into cabinets, bookcases, bar fronts or room dividers.
Hanging panels
A leadlight hung in front of a window, or displayed in a light box, makes a striking decorative piece without any building work.
Selling or donating old leadlight
If you are renovating and removing leadlight, please do not let it go to landfill. Contact us to discuss what you have. Even panels in poor condition may contain glass that is valuable for matching repairs in other period homes, and we are always interested in hearing about old leadlight and old glass.
Removing leadlight carefully matters too. A panel levered out roughly can crack or fold, so if you are not sure how to remove it, call us first. We can advise, or remove it ourselves as part of other work.
For hobbyists
Secondhand panels and old glass are also of interest to hobbyists. Our Kew shop stocks glass, lead came, tools, cutters, rondels and offcuts, as well as Novacan patina in black and copper only, and we are a small shop with one of the largest ranges for a shop its size.
Visiting the shop
Our shop is at 82 Derby Street, Kew. Because stock changes and we are often out on site, please ring before visiting so we can let you know what is available and make sure someone is there.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. We buy and sell secondhand leadlights. Stock changes, so please call us to ask about what is available.
Often, yes. Panels can be adapted, for example by adjusting a border. We will tell you honestly what will look right.
Yes. We can rebuild it with new lead, solder and cement so it is sound for years to come.
We are interested in old leadlight and old glass. Contact us to discuss what you have.
Yes. It can be combined with suitable safety glass to meet AS 1288, and triple glazed if you wish.
Related pages
- Leadlight restorations in Melbourne
- Leadlight and stained glass window reproductions
- Edwardian and Victorian leadlights in Melbourne
- Federation leadlights, doors and windows
- New leadlight windows in Melbourne
- Leadlight hobby supplies in Kew
Ask about secondhand leadlights
To ask about secondhand leadlights for sale, call Verity Leadlights on 03 9853 8611 or 0418 395 628, or visit our shop at 82 Derby Street, Kew VIC. We have worked with leadlight since 1979 and are highly rated by our customers. Please ring before visiting.
