1845-04-21 Bigelow Chapel Stained Glass: Ballantine & Allan to Jacob Bigelow (page 1)

42 George Street Edinburgh

21st April 1845

Jacob Bigelow Esq M D

Sir

In accordance with the desire of Mr Hay, whose
opinion you had requested, as to the most advisable mode, of
colouring the Glass for the Windows of the Auburn Cemetry [sic] Chapel,
we now enclose you, a series of designs, together with estimates for
the execution of the work, and shall feel happy if they meet
your approval..

Our experience in Glass Painting has been considerable.
We have studied carefully the best specimens of the Antique, in this
country and on the Continent, and feel confident, that we can now
produce windows, equally durable & brilliant, with the best of those
specimens, and more in accordance with the principle of harmony
in form and colour.

Our designs and specimens, for the windows of the
New House of Lords, at Westminster, have been approved of by the
Royal Commission on the Fine Arts, and we are anxious to extend our
reputation still further. We have therefore prepared the following
Estimates, at the lowest remunerating rates, and should feel exceedingly
delighted, to have the honour, and the advantage, through your
means, of sending a specimen of our Art to your interesting
country.-- You are no doubt aware that it is impossible to
convey by a water coloured drawing, any idea of the effect of
such designs, when properly executed in Glass, and ^that^ any attempt
to transmit in writing instructions in Glass Painting is useless
for any practical purpose.--

We may state that our Painted Glass is not
executed on large Sheets, but like that of the Ancients is a
species of Mosaic work -- For example, the central compartment of
the Rose window, would be composed of upwards of one thousand
separate pieces of Glass, the colour of which is in the body of
the material, not merely fused on the surface -- This mode
produces the most brilliant effect, is much stronger than any other
and when any repair is required small pieces are easily inserted

(Should