We are researching the life and work of John Mallon. You can visit the Table of Contents here.

Having learned of a set of circa 1889 stained glass windows at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco, we sought to determine whether they were the work of Mr. John Mallon. Seeing images of the glass online we were convinced they came from his studio: colorful, whimsical, with lots and lots of jewels, they appeared to carry the signature Mallon style. So we reached out to UUSF’s Director of Communications, Jonathan Silk, who had serendipitously and very recently found an old VHS tape describing the 1983 restoration of UUSF’s sanctuary windows. Recorded in 1985, the video walks through the restoration process in its entirety, from dismantling to cleaning to rebuilding and reinstallation. You can watch the video below.

After further research on the part of Mr. Silk we determined the glass was not in fact produced by Mallon, but by the Wells Glass Company of Chicago. At this time a more extensive set of windows were procured for $2,250 (or $62,300 in 2017 dollars) and some were destroyed or sold along the way, ostensibly due to the 1906 quake and/or other projects.

Though we were displeased at finding these were not Mallon windows, it was a pleasure stumbling on this interesting video. It showcases the care and skill that goes into antique glass restoration, and also describes the beauty and interestingness of American Victorian-era stained glass. Please take a moment to check it out!

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