The Geometry Of Color & Light
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
When the Eldridge Street Synagogue was built in 1887, the structure included magnificent stained glass windows. But by the 1980s, the windows — including the 15-foot rose window of the façade and 66 others — had deteriorated so much that removal was necessary.
Next month, they’re coming back. The restoration is the result of a $16 million campaign, led by the Eldridge Street Project, which salvaged 80% of the original stained glass. The cleaning and repair of the glass was executed by Gil Studio in Brooklyn’s DUMBO, and photographer konrad Fiedler was on hand to record the delicate work.
The original windows represent a high level of artistry, according to Gil Studio’s Raymond Clagnan, who is overseeing the restoration. “What makes this project enjoyable is the diversity of designs and appearances that the original artist was able to create with just a few colors — robin’s egg blue, red, brown, rose, turquoise, and yellow,” he said. “For geometric designed windows, they’re very elaborate.”
