The aim of the course is to provide a comprehensive introduction to the craft of leaded stained glass for beginners; for those with more experience, it is an opportunity to consolidate skills, learn new techniques and work on your own projects in a supported environment.

The objective of this course is that you will have completed at least one piece of leaded stained glass by the end of the course; this could be a panel or a site-specific window. Beginners will be taught all the techniques required to design and make a non-representational stained-glass panel.

As well as learning the traditional techniques used to make stained glass, you will be taught how to use sandblasting as a means of decorating some of the glass you use. We will investigate the use of different resists on clear glass to explore the effects available as we produce a series of test pieces. You will learn how to sandblast to a frosted finish, create a three-dimensional effect and ‘carve’ with the sandblaster.

A structured start is followed with guided independent practice. Group demonstrations will be given when appropriate on specific processes. Individual tuition and advice is given throughout the course. By the end of the course, you should be confident in your ability to design and make a stained-glass panel.

Handouts will be provided on all aspects of the processes involved, health and safety requirements and suppliers of the materials used, should you wish to continue making stained glass after the course.

Included

The course fee includes the cost of basic materials used by all the group, such as clear practice glass, cement, whiting, resists, sandblast resist, grate polish, etc.

What students need to bring

• A pair of rubber gloves (washing-up type are ideal)
• A mask (fabric is fine) for use when cementing and cleaning up your panel
• Two soft shoe polishing brushes
• A pair of scissors
• Board, packing tape and packing materials to transport your completed work safely
• Paper doilies and lace are useful for sandblasting experiments
• A scalpel handle and no. 11 blades - you may require several packets of blades
• A thin steel rule (6” or 12”)
• Black felt pens in fine and medium thickness (ideally Staedtler Permanent Lumocolour)
• Pens, pencil, rubber, ruler, paints, colouring pencils, tracing paper and masking tape are optional, but useful.

Please bring a sketchbook or notepad with any ideas you may have, or images which you may wish to use as inspiration. However, don’t feel you have to come with any ideas, as you can develop ideas whilst here and the College has a good library which you can also use for design ideas.

If you intend to make a piece to fit into a specific area, please remember to measure carefully and allow for any fitting rebates if it is going to fit into a frame. If you want to use very specific colours in your panel, the tutor will advise you where you can go to choose and buy the glass.

Available to buy

Available from shop:

• The college shop stocks a range of materials, such as scalpel handles and blades (no 11), black felt pens, sketchbooks, pencils, rubbers and rulers.

Available from tutor:

• On this course, the tutor will supply most of the materials required. The materials required for your individual project will be priced according to the size and nature of your project and the additional charge should be paid to the tutor before the end of the course, by cash or cheque.

Additional information

This course is quite physically demanding as many of the techniques require standing for long periods of time.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult your GP before enrolling on this course, as working with lead and solder can be harmful to the developing baby.

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). Possible equipment restrictions in tutor absence.

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am. Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

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