Community Highlights: Meet Jay And Linda Moorman of BeauVerre Riordan Studios

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay And Linda Moorman.

Hi Jay and Linda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our story goes back to 1838, when William Coulter and Joseph Finagin opened a glass-cutting establishment in Cincinnati, Ohio. Over the years, the business evolved and eventually became the Riordan Glass Company, building a reputation for exceptional stained glass craftsmanship and completing commissions throughout the country.

In 1983, Jay and Linda Moorman founded BeauVerre Studios in Middletown, Ohio, continuing the tradition of creating beautiful stained glass using old-world techniques. In 2003, BeauVerre Studios merged with the historic Riordan Glass Company, bringing together two important pieces of American stained glass history.

Today, BeauVerre Riordan Studios carries that legacy forward from our 24,000-square-foot studio in downtown Middletown. We create new stained glass, restore historic windows, work on large-scale projects for churches and institutions, and also share the craft with our community through classes, tours, and our retail store.

What makes our story especially meaningful is that we’re not simply preserving the history of stained glass—we’re continuing to create it. We’re taking techniques and craftsmanship that have been passed down for generations and using them to create something that will hopefully be enjoyed for generations to come.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. A business with a history like ours has naturally gone through periods of change, economic challenges, and uncertainty. The stained glass industry itself has changed tremendously over the years, and one of our biggest challenges has always been finding ways to preserve the traditional craftsmanship while continuing to adapt to the times.

Another challenge is that this is a very specialized craft. The skills required to design, create, and restore stained glass take years to develop, and finding people who have both the talent and the patience to learn the craft can be difficult. Much of what we do is very hands-on and cannot simply be replaced by modern technology.

We’ve also faced the everyday challenges that come with running a small, specialized business—managing large restoration projects, keeping up with changing costs and demands, and making sure we can continue providing the level of quality our name represents.

But I think those challenges are also part of what has made the company what it is today. We’ve had to adapt without losing sight of what makes our work special. Through all of the changes, the goal has remained the same: preserve the craftsmanship, create beautiful work, and keep the tradition of stained glass alive for the next generation.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about BeauVerre Riordan Studios?
BeauVerre Riordan Studios is a historic stained glass studio located in downtown Middletown, Ohio. Our roots date back to 1838, making us the oldest documented continuously operating stained glass studio in the United States. In 2003, BeauVerre Studios merged with the historic Riordan Glass Company, bringing together more than 180 years of stained glass history and craftsmanship.

Today, our work encompasses much more than creating beautiful stained glass. We specialize in both new stained glass design and the restoration and preservation of historic windows. We work with churches, institutions, businesses, homeowners, architects, designers, and private clients on projects ranging from individual residential windows to large-scale historic restorations.

What really sets us apart is the combination of our history, craftsmanship, and experience. We continue to use traditional, old-world techniques that have been passed down through generations, while also creating new work that reflects the needs and vision of today’s clients. Restoration is particularly meaningful to us because we are often working with pieces of history that have been part of a building or community for generations. Our goal is not simply to repair a window, but to preserve its artistry and story so it can continue to be appreciated for generations to come.

We are also proud to share the craft beyond our commissioned work. Our studio includes a showroom, retail store, classes, and tours, allowing people to experience the artistry and history of stained glass firsthand.

I think what I’m most proud of about our brand is that we’re not just preserving the past—we’re continuing the tradition. After nearly two centuries, we’re still creating, restoring, teaching, and finding new ways to keep stained glass relevant and appreciated today. That combination of history and forward movement is what makes BeauVerre Riordan unique.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something that may surprise people about Jay is just how deeply personal this business is to him. BeauVerre Riordan Studios isn’t simply a business he owns—it’s something he genuinely cares about preserving and carrying forward.

People see the finished windows and the beautiful craftsmanship, but they may not realize how much time and thought Jay puts into the history behind the work. He has a real appreciation for the stories, craftsmanship, and people connected to these pieces, and he understands that when we restore a historic window, we’re preserving much more than glass.

I also think people might be surprised by how involved he is. Even with the size and history of the studio, Jay remains very hands-on with the business and the projects we take on. He has a strong eye for quality and is very particular about making sure the work reflects the standards and traditions that have been associated with the studio for generations.

Ultimately, I think what surprises people most is that for Jay, this isn’t just about keeping an old business going. It’s about making sure the craftsmanship and tradition continue into the future.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.beauverre.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beauverreriordanstudios_1838/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeauVerreRiordanStudios