Ends and Beginnings

As the summer begins to draw to a close, I've been reflecting on just how varied the past few months have been. Alongside working on some exciting commissioned stained glass panels, I've been planning a new programme of workshops for the autumn and beyond.

I'm delighted that bookings are now open for my weekly five-week stained glass workshops, beginning in September, together with a new Thursday afternoon and evening classes and Friday morning sessions. Whether you're taking your first steps into stained glass or returning to develop your skills, these small studio classes provide the opportunity to work on your own projects with individual tuition in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Just added....

Weekly workshops and weekend courses

Looking further ahead, I've also released my 2027 weekend workshops, including both Traditional Leaded Stained Glass and Heritage Stained Glass Painting courses. These immersive weekend workshops offer the chance to explore traditional techniques in greater depth and are now available to book through the CraftCourses platform here.

A Significant Moment for British Glass

While planning the coming year, the wider glass community has been reflecting on an important milestone.

At the end of July, the National Glass Centre in Sunderland closed its doors, bringing to an end more than 1,350 years of glassmaking history in the city. Sunderland's association with glass dates back to AD 674, when Benedict Biscop invited skilled glaziers from France to create stained glass for the monastery at Monkwearmouth. Few places in Britain can claim such a long and continuous connection with the craft.

Although the National Glass Centre itself was only established in 1998, it became an important home for contemporary glass, education and public engagement. Its closure is a reminder that our glass heritage cannot be taken for granted and that traditional crafts need continued support if they are to thrive.

There is encouraging news elsewhere. The World of Glass in St Helens continues to preserve and celebrate Britain's industrial and artistic glassmaking heritage through its museum, collections and live demonstrations. It remains one of the country's most important places to discover the remarkable story of glass and has the most amazing hot shop. At the end of August the International Festival of Glass is to be held there.

Why Teaching Matters

As a stained glass artist, these events reinforce why I continue to teach alongside my commission work.

Every person who learns to cut glass confidently, lead a panel, or paint glass using centuries-old techniques helps ensure these skills are carried into the future. Heritage crafts survive because knowledge is shared from one generation to the next.

Whether you're joining me for a weekly workshop, attending a weekend course or simply following my work, you're helping to support a living craft with a history stretching back many centuries.

Come and See Traditional Stained Glass in Action

My next public event will be Leek Open Studios on Saturday 26 September at the Foxlowe Arts Centre, where I'll be demonstrating traditional stained glass techniques throughout the day from 10.00am until 5.00pm.

If you've ever wondered how stained glass windows are made, or you're curious about learning the craft yourself, do come along and say hello. I'd love to meet you.

I look forward to welcoming many of you into the studio over the coming months.