After years of creating and restoring colored glass in various parts of Ontario, the artisans at Sunrise Stained Glass in London, Ont., have decided to shut down their operations. The establishment on Wharncliffe Road has been a hub for teaching the ancient art of stained glass to numerous students and reviving intricate window panels. The shop is now up for sale, with plans to close by the end of the month.
Roger Chapman, the founder who started the store in 1979, initially viewed stained glass as a casual hobby. However, his passion led him to design and produce windows for private homes and undertake extensive restoration projects for numerous churches spanning from Windsor to Kingston to Sudbury. Chapman expressed his deep satisfaction in the process of salvaging deteriorating windows, describing it as fulfilling.
Recognizable in London for their work, Sunrise has been involved in the restoration of almost all windows at St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica since the late 1980s, including the renowned rose windows, along with significant contributions to St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church. Noteworthy projects by Sunrise include the restoration of the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate in Guelph, involving over 550 stained glass panels that received an award of excellence from the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals.
In addition to their restoration endeavors, Chapman and his partners have worked on windows at various locations across Ontario, such as St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral in Hamilton, the Central Presbyterian Church in Cambridge, and installations at Queen’s University and the Royal Military College in Kingston.
Sunrise has been a key supplier for stained glass enthusiasts, offering supplies and beginner classes since its inception. Chapman and his partners cited age as a factor in their decision to close the business, with the shop expected to cease operations around December.
Reflecting on his journey, Chapman recalled crafting his first stained glass item—an ashtray for his wife. His interest in stained glass was piqued during his time running a wicker store in the 1970s, where a neighboring stained glass artist left behind his tools, inspiring Chapman to delve into the craft.
The prevalence of stained glass in London can be traced back to the early 20th century when Hobbs Manufacturing, a local company, served as a hub for stained glass supplies, akin to a contemporary Home Depot. This historical background has contributed to the abundance of stained glass features in residential properties throughout the city. While many original stained glass windows were replaced over time, there is a growing trend among homeowners to restore their properties’ historical charm, leading to increased demand for stained glass work.
As Chapman prepares to step back from the business, he remains optimistic about the future of stained glass craftsmanship. He believes that there will be a new wave of enthusiasts drawn to the rewarding nature of restoration work. While Chapman plans to continue crafting stained glass as a hobby during retirement, he looks forward to spending more time caring for his horses on his farm near Goderich.