The best thing about this job is not just the fabulous windows we make, repair and restore but the fascinating people we meet. This week has been no exception. I have been working with a film maker working for the BBC who has a commission to film stained glass for the Songs Of Praise program. We are helping him with some close up shots of our windows in his studio and also at a church in Eccles, Manchester where we designed and made a new stained glass window documenting the history of the Parish. Also this week I met with a museum curator who asked us to help them with the renovation of their antique glass display cabinets. The skill of the original craftsmen is a joy to see with the fine hinges and lock mechanisms hand made in brass. They don’t make ‘em like that anymore, that’s for sure. I was able to look at the museums Egyptian collection whilst I was there, with fine examples of ancient glass on display. Can anyone tell me how they made such intricate coloured glass 3000 years ago?
I have also been in discussion with a public school to finalise the start of a stained glass art project that I am running at the school. The children are going to help with the design for a new window we are going to make for the new building. The window will over look the main sports and dining hall so we will encapsulate the stained glass into triple glazed units made from toughened glass to protect them from flying footballs and dinner plates!
On Friday I ran another of our popular stained glass making courses for beginners. I had one lady who travelled from the Midlands near Wolverhampton, and another from Macclesfield in Cheshire. It is so good that people are willing to make such an effect to come and learn how to make a stained glass window in just one day. I love the different designs and bold use of coloured glass that the beginners make and with so much enthusiasm!
Throw in a couple of visits to churches to inspect their damaged stained glass and advise on the best type of protective glazing using stainless steel wire mesh guards, polycarbonate or laminated glass, it has made for a very busy and varied week.
