Opening Stained Glass window

[LAH]

It has been a number of years since I worked in the stained glass field on a daily basis, so was looking for some current advice and practices on a consultation I am being called in to do this week. Another artist has just completed a window approximately 18" wide by 5-6' tall. She chose to do it in copperfoil (very, very poorly foiled and soldered) and put crisscrossing saddle bars on the back which are not joined together or fixed to any sort of edge framework or window framing. She has been commissioned to do 2 more. This is in a window that opens and the pastor wants to keep the windows with the ability to open for ventilation in the sanctuary. (Complete with keeping the bug screen in place inside!) Because I would just not have ever considered doing this commission this way-maybe I'm just oldschool...question-what is the largest acceptable window anyone, if anyone on this forum has made and what would you suggest..
Thank you for any assistance,
Lisa

[rpettyjohn]

 As a fabricator for White Stained Glass Studio of Sarasota Florida for over 10 years, I do not reccomend this either.  In a copper foil window of this size there is a reinforcing product that can be put between the pieces of glass called braided wire.  When a window is opened and closed it causes movement in the panel,  especially so if sun, wind, and other elements can also cause damage.  Call Ron Estep of White Stained Glass at 1-941-923-4711 for expert advice.