The Atelier Glasschilderkunst F. Nicolas en Zonen in Roermond (1855-1968) and the Revival of Stained Glass Production in Western Europe in the 19th and 20th Century

Research and Methodology 

Judith’s research focuses on the ‘Atelier Glasschilderkunst F. Nicolas en Zonen’ te Roermond (1855-1940/1968). Frans Nicolas Sr. established his stained-glass workshop around 1855, and Atelier Nicolas quickly became one of the most important stainedglass manufacturers in the Netherlands meeting the increasing local, national, and international need for stained-glass windows. Her research looked into the resources Atelier Nicolas mobilised to obtain this successful position, leading the research through the commission process of a stained-glass window from idea to finished product. Judith has done mainly archival research, looking into the activities and networks of Atelier Nicolas throughout three generations. The main source was the Nicolas archive, containing correspondence with customers, financial documents, and a large collection of cartoons, the life-sized drawings used during the production process of a stained-glass window and - in some cases - during the restoration process. 

Relation to Borders 

Borders have been present in Judith’s research quite literally as the need for stained-glass windows was a local, national, and international trend, and Atelier Nicolas catered commissioners all over the world. Her research not only looked at the travels of Atelier Nicolas’ windows, but also at the (cross-border) exchange of knowledge, expertise, materials, and people. Her research fitted borders more thematically as well. Atelier Nicolas was a family business for three generations. In the third generation, Joep Nicolas dared to question the borders, the boundaries of the stainedglass craft, dictated by long-standing traditions, and innovated the craft in doing so. 

Findings and Takeaways

Atelier Nicolas was established in the mid-nineteenth century, during a period of international contact and innovation, in the wake of the neo-gothic movement. It restored knowledge on stained-glass techniques and medieval gothic style and innovated it. The commissions of Atelier Nicolas demonstrated the close relation between stained glass and the catholic building activity in the nineteenth and twentieth century, as well as the network of architects Atelier Nicolas repeatedly worked with. Especially the network of architect Pierre Cuypers and his students proved fruitful.

Researcher: Judith Van Puyvelde (see profile)

Supervisors: Nico Randeraad, Ad Knotter, Joep Leerssen (see profiles)