Lead came is the traditional stained-glass construction method in which glass pieces are held by shaped lead strips.
In this method, an artist cuts individual pieces of colored or painted glass and fits them into channels in lengths of lead came. The joints are then soldered, creating a flexible but stable lattice. Putty or cement may be brushed into the spaces to weatherproof and strengthen the panel.
Lead came was used extensively in medieval European windows and remains common in conservation and studio practice. The lead strips are usually H-shaped in cross-section, allowing glass to sit in channels on both sides.
Lead came is different from copper foil. Copper foil wraps the edge of each glass piece before soldering, whereas lead came holds the glass mechanically inside its channels. Both methods can produce intricate designs, but they have different structural and working characteristics.