STAINED GLASS CLASS

Iread a Wendy Perriam novel years ago, where one of the characters designed and made stained glass windows. It had stuck with me, so, when I came across a weekend course in Manchester I jumped at the chance to experience it for myself.

The studio was in an old mill in Ancoats. I was nervous as I wound my way up the stone spiral staircase, I needn’t have been. Sharon Campbell, the artist who runs the workshop, settled us all in. She exuded patience and passion. As Sharon talked us through the basics, my eyes wandered over her creations that hung from the windows and the walls. I was in awe.

We began by choosing glass from a vast array of colours and textures. We then traced shapes on the smooth side of the glass, scored and snapped it. The sound of the glass breaking as we carefully applied pressure, was a satisfying clunk, like chocolate straight from the fridge. This was relatively easy, compared to cutting the lead and fitting the glass into it. This required precision (not my strong point) before pinning it ready to be soldered. With guidance, we all managed to combine the flux and the heat to secure our first attempts.

I was very proud of myself. It took a while to get the hang of the different skills required, but the satisfaction in taking something home after the first day was immense.

After lunch we started something bigger and more complicated. Sharon oversaw us, offering advice, help, tea and biscuits. This piece was completed on the second day.

I was hooked and decided to make a window for my house where the original Victorian glass was missing. After many hours in the studio, sometimes independently, often with help from Sharon, it was finished. My pride and joy.

Bankswood Treecare is a friendly run business based in the SK area.

We have £5 million public liability insurance and all our work is carried in accordance with guidelines set out in the British Standards for tree works (BS3998).

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You can be sure that we will not harm or damage the surroundings as we work with complete respect for the environment and the trees themselves. Contact an experienced tree surgeon if you want a quotation, consultation or even advice.

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