Conservation issues: Charles J. Connick's There is No Frigate Like a Book and Mending Wall stained glass panels.

This article focuses on the conservation challenges and treatment of two stained glass panels by Charles J. Connick, depicting poems by Emily Dickinson and Robert Frost, originally installed in the John R. Prescott Library in Newtonville, Massachusetts. It details the panels’ condition assessment, emphasizing minimal deterioration that did not warrant complete re-leading, and describes the conservation methods applied, including selective repairs, flattening of minor deflection, and reinforcement with brass support bars. The article critiques the prevailing practice endorsed by some American studios and the Stained Glass Association of America (SGAA) that mandates full re-leading of stained glass windows after a fixed lifespan, arguing this approach overlooks the artistic and historic value of original lead cames and disregards nuanced conservation needs. It advocates for adherence to internationally recognized conservation guidelines that prioritize minimal intervention and preservation of original materials, highlighting the importance of education and ethical stewardship in stained glass conservation.