The Stained Glass Studio was founded by the St. Ann Center for Restoration and the Arts in 1988 for the dual purpose of restoring America's first cycle of figural glass, created by William J. Bolton (1844-1848) for St. Ann and the Holy Trinity in Brooklyn Heights, while training the next generation of artisans in the truest traditions of apprenticeship. Since its inception, The Studio's efforts of combining museum quality conservation, training and research and development have been supported by organizations such as the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, World Monuments Fund, New York Landmarks Conservancy, the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, the Vincent Astor Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the NY State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation along with many generous individuals and corporations.

Out of that substantial restoration effort has grown one of the world's premiere sites for the study and practice of stained glass painting and it's preservation. In January 2001, The Center left St. Ann's and relocated to new offices in the waterfront area of Brooklyn known as DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). The Studio has reformed as The Brooklyn Stained Glass Conservation Center (a not for profit corporation) and has renewed its mission to combine conservation with apprenticeship training, working on objects that range from medieval glass to new commissions.

Under the direction of Senior Conservator David Fraser, the studio brings over 25 years of experience in project planning, fund raising and project management along with an acute awareness of the challenges that face the owners of America's treasured stained glass art. Whether the stained glass object is Gothic Revival, American Opalescent or Medieval, The Studio's conservation philosophy is always directed to the needs of each individual window and its long-term preservation. The Studio is dedicated to continuing the ancient art of cartooning and glass painting in the traditions established by painting studios over the centuries. Craftsmanship and teaching is guided by a firm belief that every aspect of the art requires a true craftsman's touch combined with the finest materials and techniques available.