Exhibition: On the Shoulders of Giants: Innovation in American Stained Glass

Buffalo is home to some of America’s most historic houses of worship and architectural jewels, with iconic stained glass windows in every nook and cranny across the region.  In fact, one of the most fascinating testaments to the development of American Opalescent Glass as a technical art form can be witnessed over the ten-year installation span at Trinity Episcopal on 371 Delaware Avenue. Remarkably, Buffalo is one of only two locations in the country where both Louis C. Tiffany and John LaFarge’s works coexist in the exact same space. The competitive spirit between Tiffany and LaFarge, in their quest to revolutionize stained glass, played out uniquely here in Buffalo, creating monumental windows that still captivate visitors today.

This anniversary exhibit pays homage to the skills honed over generations, skills that have facilitated innovation not only in the past but also in the present day, just as they did 140 years ago in Buffalo. Just as LaFarge and Tiffany pushed the boundaries of the medium in the 1880s, today’s
community continues to push forward, fostering innovation and creativity.