Specialties
LSG is a full-service studio offering custom designed artwork, fabrication, restoration, installation, custom frames and protective glazing.
Each design is created by our artists in a variety of styles, ranging from traditional to modern/contemporary. We work with customers to create a design that matches their visions; artists then produce full-scaled detailed renderings, called cartoons, that serve as blueprints in the cutting, painting and assembly of the stained glass. Glass colors and textures are carefully chosen then hand cut, many designs are hand painted using the cartoon as a guide, and then each piece is re-assembled with lead came placed in between. The came is soldered, then each panel is waterproofed by brushing a special compound into the came. Finally, each panel is cleaned, brushed down and reinforced with steel bracing.
LSG uses traditional, time-honored methods to produce stained glass. We proudly offer studio tours upon request.
History
Established in 1983.
Fifty years ago, Robert Speake, owner of Lynchburg Stained Glass, lived in Kansas City and had an apprenticeship with a stained glass studio there. In 1973, Robert moved his family to Virginia and started a division of stained glass windows for the Winebarger Church Furniture Company. In 1983, he started his own company, specializing in the manufacture and repair of stained glass church windows. Mark and Jeff, his two sons, joined him in the family business and all three operate it together today.
LSG, whose central office is in Central Virginia, has done business all over the eastern half of the United States and even expanded into Texas. They have sales representatives that live in the Carolinas, Georgia, Virginia and West Virginia. Mark Speake estimates the company has done windows for over 3,000 churches in the past twenty-five years.
Meet the Business Owner: Mark S.
Mark Speake joined his father and brother at Lynchburg Stained Glass in 1983. He is in charge of day-to-day operations, glass production, scheduling and overseeing of personnel, while his brother Jeff takes care of installations by coordinating contractors, handling restoration jobs and assuring that installations are done properly.
In 1987, Mark started Creative Art Glass and merged it with Lynchburg Stained Glass in the late 1990s. He developed a large variety of hand painted "Life of Christ" scenes which are 12-inch circular medallions with hand painted figures fired and fused into the glass which are then sold to small studios without full-time artists of their own.
Both business have enjoyed a lot of success thanks to Mark and his hard work alongside his father and brother. Mark and his family currently resides in Lynchburg, Virginia where he plans to stay and head up the family business for years to come.
