The Mysterious Disappearance of Denver’s Tiffany Stained Glass Window
A Piece Of Stained Glass History In Denver, Colorado
Denver, Colorado has a lively history that was shaped by an expanding frontier, a subsequent gold rush and barons of industry in trades like cattle and railways. In the mid-1800s Denver surged to life as miners eager to find gold in the Rocky mountains flooded the city, which was and still is, arguably, the gateway to The West. As a result of said surge, the population of Denver grew rapidly and money, by proxy was injected into Denver society. It is understandable then, that Denver was once home to one of the most outstanding pieces of Tiffany stained glass this country had ever seen, on the house of railroad tycoon, David Moffat, a house that once stood on right on the corner of 8th and Grant. However, what became of this $25,000 (that is $610,000 in today’s market) custom built stained glass beauty, is still a mystery today.
A Tiffany Stained Glass Mystery In Denver, Colorado
Although the origin of the Moffat Mansion windows is well documented, very little is known about the windows after their inception. The stained glass window, pictured below, was a part of the Moffat mansions original decor. It was the centerpiece of the house and sat prominently on the main staircase.
As the house changed hands throughout the years the window was included in each sale. Even when the house was demolished in 1972, pictures from a Denver Post article circa de 1973, show the bay window and stained glass were salvaged and included in the new building’s architecture.
Considering the price, history and famous maker of the window that was a smart decision by the architects. However, sometime between 1972 and present day, the window seems to have literally disappeared and there is no record of its sale or transfer. As you can see from present day pictures, the bay window and copper door frame, remain intact and nearly identical to the pictures from 1910, but the stained glass and etched copper door panel have been removed. It is a mystery that remains unsolved to this day and an unfortunate Denver and considering the great history and value of these artifacts from Denver’s colorful past.
Denver’s Stained Glass Experts
At Stained Glass Denver, we have a deep appreciation for stained glass windows, old and new. We know how precious these relics are to homes and churches. This is why over half of our business is dedicated to painstakingly restoring stained glass in the Denver area in old homes, churches, cathedrals, mosques and temples. We are Colorado’s leading stained glass restoration company not only because of our skill but because of appreciation for preserving this small part of history. If you own an antique stained glass window that is in need of repair, cleaning or restoration, contact Stained Glass Denver for a free estimate and keep your windows and the history they represent, looking good and lasting for decades to come.
Martin Faith
Martin Faith is a talented artisan, collector of antique stained glass, and the owner of Stained Glass Denver. For over thirty years, Martin has been running his company in Denver using the techniques he learned as a stained glass artisan in Scotland. He has devoted his life's work to perfecting the art form and studying its history. Martin's company specializes in custom creations, which are made using the highest quality materials and authentic, original designs. In addition to residential and commercial stained glass, the company also offers services for churches and religious buildings. Over the years, Stained Glass Denver has completed numerous restorations of historic stained glass and produced over 50,000 windows.
