From Murano to Monument: Recreating 1920s Glass Rondels

A little bit of Murano — right here on Monument Avenue.

At Monument by Green Front in Richmond, VA, the original glass rondel windows from the vestibule door carry a distinctly Mediterranean design influence. It’s a style that helped define the vision of architect William Bottomley more than a century ago.

Each 100-year-old glass rondel reveals subtle irregularities in thickness and form, a direct result of its handmade origin. That character guides the work at every step.

In his Virginia workshop, artisan Wayne Cain wraps each rondel in lead and solders it into place, reinforcing the structure while preserving its original shape. Where damage goes too far, carefully shaped and tinted replacements blend seamlessly with the surrounding panes.

At Cain Architectural Art, nothing is over-corrected. Irregularities remain. Variation stays visible.

The finished work closely mirrors the glass Den Cralle encountered in Venice — proof that the right approach can carry design across time and place.

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