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I had no trouble finding someone to repair leaded glass, but it cost hundreds of dollars for relatively little work :-(

PS - I am not located in LA.

FINDING SOMEONE: If there is no entry for leadlight in your yellowpages directory, try glaziers, glass merchants or manufacturers for names of whom they supply, an historic houses organisation in California, studio/art glass artists who could know someone, or a college where it is taught.

COST:Repairing leaded glass costs as much as building it from scratch. The pieces are removed, cleaned, and reset. It is no more secure than any other kind of glass. In putting reinforced glass behind it might end up with water vapour and 'fog' in between.

I once saw a window like this with wrought iron matching the panel pattern set into the door on the outside. I think the leadlight was reset as a hinged window, so it could be left open to let in a breeze but no burglars.

The glass pictured is bevelled. If this is your door, and not just an example, should the door slam, the glass can pop out. You will also have the problem replacing the actual pieces as well. This is old glass and will have a different colour to new.

If you can't afford to do it right now, have the expert remove the pieces carefully and tape it into a box in the pattern, then just use security glass.

Then at some later time have it reset as a picture on the wall or cabinet door etc.

WOW, Deb, that was exactly the sort of information I was hoping for. Thank you so much! That is indeed our door, and I love the idea of the matching wrought iron. Thanks to both of you for the advice.

I lived in SD 8 years ago and the only thing I can think of is that there used to be a really cool architectural salvage in Little Italy. Maybe ask them if they know anyone who repairs it. Here's their info:

Address: 1971 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 696-1313

Asking at a college is a good idea. I just learned to do leaded glass at PCC and it was fun, fun, fun!

In LA there's Stained Glass Supply in Eagle Rock and Pacific Art Glass in Gardena.

Try looking under "stained glass" (or "glass - stained and leaded") in the yellow pages. Most any stained glass supply store will have someone on staff who does this sort of thing or will be able to refer you to someone.