The Conrad Schmitt Studios Story
Since 1889 Conrad Schmitt Studios has advanced a tradition of excellence in artistry and craftsmanship. Concern for the artistic value of a project is paramount. Studio artisans do more than paint walls or assemble windows - they create enduring works of art.
The Studio was founded in Milwaukee in 1889 by Conrad Schmitt, the son of Bavarian immigrants. The firm remained in the Schmitt family until 1953, at which time it was purchased by long-time employee, Bernard O. Gruenke. Today, the third generation of the Gruenke family is involved in the company, a reflection of the dedication and longevity which typifies the Conrad Schmitt Studios.

The Studio’s roots can be traced to ecclesiastical and decorative art, stained glass, and interior design. Preserving the past through comprehensive investigation, analysis, and documentation is a vital component of the Studio’s business. Conrad Schmitt Studios has conserved stained glass windows designed by famous artists such as Louis Comfort Tiffany, Thomas O’Shaughnessy, John LaFarge, F.X. Zettler, and Mayer of Munich; and restored theatres designed by architects Rapp & Rapp, John Eberson, C. Howard Crane, and Thomas Lamb, and religious and secular buildings designed by Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, and others.
In addition to conservation and restoration, the Studio has designed and created art glass and interiors for buildings of architectural and historic significance throughout the country and abroad, including basilicas, cathedrals, churches, synagogues, theatres, train stations, hotels, universities, state capitols, and government buildings.

Conrad Schmitt Studios actively seeks out the most highly skilled artisans and craftspeople from the United States and abroad. Many have been trained in the centuries-old traditions of stained glass, decorative painting, sculpture, and mosaic. Teams of decorative artists work on projects across the country, under the direction of experienced foremen. The staff at the New Berlin, Wisconsin Studio works on a wide variety of art and glass projects, including those that have been carefully transported from locations near and far. Conrad Schmitt Studios’ management philosophy focuses on the team concept. All of the departments work together to create the best art possible.

Conrad Schmitt Studios has one of the largest inventories of glass in the country. The vast collection contains antique, rolled, imported, and original Tiffany Studio's glass, as well as hand-made stained glass jewels. This inventory was greatly enhanced by the acquisition of glass from several historic stained glass studios. Studio archives contain comprehensive files on past projects, integrating the latest computer technology with the tradition of age-old craftsmanship.

Stained glass restoration project SD State Captitol
David Rookhuyzen from the Capital Journal wrote 26 July, 2013 on the latest project:
“After more than a century of shedding light on governors, Legislatures and private citizens who have entered the state Capitol Building, the intricate stained glass paneling that make for some of the edifice’s most impressive views will be receiving some long overdue attention.
Work begins Monday on an extensive $2.7 million, 14-month renovation to the skylights above the House and Senate chambers, along with the barrel vault skyline above the grand staircase and the panels in the rotunda dome.”

The 199 large panels of stained glass will be removed, placed in a custom shipping frame and transported to Conrad Schmitt Studios just outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The glass pieces will be repaired and releaded, and the panels rebuilt. New structural supports will be added to ensure even longer-term strength.
The stained glass in the Rotunda dome will be the first to be removed. Portions of the second floor Rotunda will be closed to foot traffic during July and August.
The House and Senate chamber stained glass will be removed following the conclusion of the 2014 Legislative Session. The barrel vault above the grand marble staircase will be the last to be removed in May, 2014.
The stained glass panels will return to the Capitol next year, with the Rotunda dome stained glass expected to return in June, 2014. The House and Senate chamber glass and the barrel vault above the grand staircase are scheduled to return in September, 2014.

Kinsman said the goal is to complete the project in time for the state’s 125th anniversary of statehood on November 2, 2014.
One can follow the project on the blog: http://conradschmittprojects.wordpress.com/2013/08/16/summit/

Conrad Schmitt Studios, Inc.
2405 S. 162nd St.
New Berlin, WI 53151
+1 (800) 969-3033
+1 (262) 786-3030
studio@conradschmitt.com
http://www.conradschmitt.com