Crafting Glass

Who would you trust to restore lovely art glass windows in one of the most cherished art deco structures in the nation? The Oviatt Building trustees in LA chose our new featured artist Adamm Gritlefeld (yes, two “m”s) to restore/repair their precious etched and carved glass windows (originally done by Lalique). Their trust was well placed as Adamm’s work is superb. Adamm is the owner of Adamm’s Stained Glass Studio & Art Glass Gallery at 1426 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA. Mr. Gritlefeld custom designs , creates, and installs all types of glass panels, windows, doors and skylights in addition to his demonstrated excellence in repairs and restoration of all kinds of decorative art glass. At his retail location (and on his web site) Adamm also has a great gallery featuring works of over 125 top American glass artists. Some of the well known artists in the gallery are: Josh Simpson, James Nowak, Richard Satava, Michael Nourot, Craig Zweifel, Daniel Salazar, Michael Schunke, Susan Gott, Karen Ehart, Charles Lotton, David Lotton, and Rick Strini.

I can personally vouch for Mr. Gritlefelds dedication to perfection in his work. While discussing a blog by a stained glass artist (who shall remain nameless) Adamm scolded that artist for saying that the back side of the work could be left kind of rough as “nobody sees the back side”. Adamm says: “He really doesn’t know what he is talking about” ….” The only time a piece would not be seen in the back would be if it were a skylight, and people wouldn’t see the top side. However, strength is sacrificed if the soldering is not done properly.”

Adamm is also a renowned specialist in the repair and restoration of glass lampshades. Talking about the soldering work on leaded glass lampshades he says: “In old lamps you can really tell the difference between Tiffany, Dufner Kimberly and Chicago Mosaic. While the first two soldered both sides well the lamps of Chicago Mosaic were terrible on the inside” Knowing now what I have discovered about him I would certainly trust Adamm for any glass restoration work I might have in the future!.

Just below are “before” and “after” pictures of a window restoration project at St. Joseph’s chapel at Santa Teresita (Duarte, California).

Before                                                     After

Nice work, Adamm!

Don’t get the idea that repair and restoration are featured to the exclusion of the new work of Adamm himself and the work of his many gallery artists. On the contrary, his “brick and mortar” shop and his website are packed full of beautiful works of glass art, most of which are for sale. As mentioned previously The Gallery offers the work of over 125 (update 12/22/09- now over 180) of America’s top glass artists in its permanent collection. In addition, you will find jewelry, kaleidoscopes and wall art in fabric, glass and paint. By attending numerous art shows and conferences nationwide, Adamm continually meets and acquires the work of new artists to represent in his gallery. His love of glass and people allow him to bring a wonderfully warm and fresh air to the work displayed. You will never find a hard sell at Adamm’s. Your gallery purchase is guaranteed with a one-week approval period and a lifetime exchange policy. Adamm wants you to be completely satisfied. Adamm loves glass and art as most of us at Crafting Glass do!

Below this sentence are just three of the stunning glass vases shown in the current Gallery. Remember, there are hundreds of glass art objects in Adamm’s gallery. A truly amazing sight, in my humble opinion!

Adamm established his store and business way back in 1972 so he is no “Johnny come lately” to the glass scene. Over the years his studio has forged a reputation for creating the finest quality art glass, including etched and carved glass, stained glass windows, and even skylights. His studio also manufactures authentic Tiffany lamp reproductions. The studio’s commissions can be seen in homes and businessess throughout the United States and the world (even in celebrities homes and in the White House)!

This past summer (2009) Adamm was busy restoring the leaded glass skylights in the famous Doheny Mansion on the Mount St. Mary’s College campus in Los Angeles, CA. On his next phase of the Doheney Mansion project Adamm worked on scaffolding both inside and outside. This phase is to clean and restore the 25 foot diameter Tiffany Dome! For some idea of the size and luxury of the Doheney Mansion see this stunning picture just below. One of the skylight windows Adamm worked on is shown also (just below).

Doheney Mansion at Mt. St. Mary’s College Doheney Mansion Art Glass Skylight

To visit Adamm Gritlefeld’s web site, click here: adamms gallery

Enjoy!

Jerry (webmaster, CraftingGlass.com)