Learn the art of stained glass as you design and create your own stained glass panel. Come and explore the potential of the dynamic and jewel-like qualities of stained glass and light, the most alluring features of this ancient art form.

This course is designed as an introductory course to the art of stained glass. In order to ensure you receive sufficient experience and technical information, everyone on the course will follow the same programme. You will learn all the techniques required to make a non-representational stained glass panel: either 30cm square or 25cm x 40cm.

There will be an introductory session on the first evening covering an overview of the medium and you will then be supported by the tutor in the design of your panel. You will learn how to choose the appropriate glass for your project, how to cut the pieces and then learn the techniques of leading and soldering. To finish your project, you will carry out cementing and finishing techniques.

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 3D effect and ‘carve’ with the sandblaster.

At each stage of the course there will be a demonstration, followed by individual tutorial support.

Your tutor will talk to you and show you examples of more advanced stained glass techniques, which you may wish to explore in future courses at West Dean. There will be a selection of books on the subject for you to look at during the course.

You will be shown which tools to use and how to use them effectively and safely, including alternative methods of use where appropriate. Health and Safety guidance will be given throughout the course.

Included

The course fee includes the cost of glass and other materials for this course.

What students need to bring

Do not worry about bringing a design, as the tutor will talk to you about designing for stained glass and help you to prepare a non-representational design for your panel. However, if you wish to bring ideas and source materials to develop your design, please do so. If you have a specific design in mind, the tutor will discuss with you whether it is suitable for this programme.

• HB pencils
• Rubber
• Black felt pens in fine and medium thicknesses (Staedtler Permanent Lumocolour pens are ideal)
• Washing up gloves
• An apron or other overall/old clothes and sturdy footwear
• Strong card or board, packing tape and packing materials to take your finished panel home (approx. 35cm x 45cm)
• A face mask to wear when cementing and cleaning your panel
• Optional: ruler, extra pens or paints and masking tape, scissors

Available to buy

Available from shop: A good variety of art and craft materials, including pencils, rubbers, black felt pens in fine and medium thicknesses (Staedtler Permanent Lumocolour pens), rulers, pens, paints, masking tape, scissors.

If you wish to decoratively sandblast some of your glass you will need a scapel handle and no. 11 blades - you may require several packets of blades - and a thin steel rule (6” or 12”).

Additional information

Please note: If you are pregnant or breast feeding, 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, i.e. no open-toes or sandals, and safety boots, if specified. You must not wear open shoes or have bare legs (even if the weather is warm) in the workshop.

Please do not wear loose clothing or dangly jewellery, as it may get caught in machinery. Long hair must be tied back.

Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration  
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-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 (lunch included)  
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 - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)  
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.

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