STAINED GLASS
Commission me to add a unique feature to your space
The Traditional Craft of Stained, Painted, & Leaded Glass
I use a mix of coloured, clear, and textured glasses, some machine-made, and some handblown in the traditional method, which display a wonderful effect of life and movement, especially when showcased in natural light. They are often decorated with multiple layers of traditional kiln-fired pigments and (yellow) silver-stain. Once all the pieces of glass have been cut and painted, they are leaded-up into a panel, using various profiles of ‘H’-section lengths of lead came. The joints are soldered on both sides, and the panel is then waterproofed with traditional leaded light cement, after which it becomes a rigid and sturdy panel, ready for installation or display.
Ranging from approximately 200mm square to 300mm square in size, including frame, my ‘off-the-peg’ pieces are designed for interior settings, such as window cills, or can be suspended in window spaces. Some work well free-standing in front of a lamp or other light source, or they can also be fitted into a bespoke back-lit framework.
The Grant Horticulture Arts & Crafts Show Garden
RHS Tatton Park Flower Show 2024 – Silver-Gilt Winner
Designed by Callum Bain-Mackay, from Grant Horticulture, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
My project brief was to produce two Arts & Crafts inspired and traditionally made stained, painted, and leaded panels, to fit into the feature pavilion structure, within the Show Garden setting. There was a strong emphasis on Arts & Crafts principles of creating something functional, beautiful & bespoke, using quality hand-made materials, and promoting traditional craft skills. The reflections on the back wall of the pavilion beautifully highlights the wonderful quality of light that can be seen through stained glass.
“Collaborating with Helen for the stained-glass elements of our Arts & Crafts themed 2024 RHS Tatton Park Flower Show Garden was a wonderful and rewarding experience. Right from the initial concept stages, Helen proved to be a font of knowledge, instinctively understanding the concept and what we were looking for. Her knowledge of traditional craft practices and techniques were invaluable in guiding us through the design process too, ensuring we remained authentic to craft tradition whilst interpreting some elements in new ways. The resulting panels were a thing of genuine beauty and fit the brief perfectly.
Along with being a joy to work with, Helen is a true artisan, and a real champion of the glass craft medium who is dedicated to preserving these skills and educating others to keep them alive. We cannot recommend her enough.”
Callum Bain-Mackay
COMMISSION ME!
I produce ‘off-the-peg’ pieces, but you can also commission me to make bespoke stained glass pieces.
Please get in touch if you would like to know more!