From Accountancy to Craftsmanship

Beki Waters • 17 March 2026

How my journey started...

For over 25 years, stained glass and lead light windows have been a steady presence in my life. What began as a hands-on interest—helping, learning, and appreciating the artistry behind each piece—grew into something far more meaningful over time. The delicate balance of colour, light, and craftsmanship has always fascinated me, and being involved, even in a supporting role, has been a privilege.

However,  my professional path lay elsewhere. I worked in accountancy specialising in company secretarial matters.  While it provided stability and valuable experience, there was always a part of me that longed for a more artistic and creative job.


In April 2025, I made the decision to follow that pull. Leaving accountancy was not a step taken lightly. It meant moving away from a familiar and secure career into something less predictable but far more aligned with my passions. It was, in many ways, a leap—but one backed by decades of experience working alongside the craft.


Taking on a much more active role in The Leadlight Gallery marked the beginning of this new chapter. Instead of assisting from the sidelines, I am now fully immersed in the day-to-day work: engaging more deeply with the creative process, contributing to projects from concept to completion, and continuing to learn every aspect of the trade.


There is something incredibly rewarding about working with stained glass. Each piece tells a story, not only through its design but through the care and skill that goes into its creation. No two projects are ever quite the same, and that constant variety brings both challenge and inspiration.



This transition has allowed me to reconnect with a craft that has been part of my life for so long—this time, not as a secondary pursuit, but as my primary focus. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to change direction, especially when it leads you closer to what you truly enjoy.

As I continue this journey, I look forward to sharing more about the work we do, the projects we take on, and the beauty of stained glass and lead light windows. What was once a long-standing interest has now become my full-time path—and I couldn’t be more excited about where it will lead.

Matthew the stained glass and lead light maker answers questions
by Matthew Waters 4 February 2024
So Matthew, tell us how and why you got involved in stained glass and leadlight design and construction? Back at school, I always favoured the artistic and creative lessons - be it woodwork or metalwork and these were twinned with my love of art. I then went into self-employment from school - much of which involved general property maintenance and restoration. About 24 years ago, I realised I wanted something more artistic and creative in my work life which is when I came across a small stained glass studio that was exhibiting work in Wales – that was my ‘eureka’ moment!
Repairing a stained glass or lead light panel
by Matthew Waters 27 January 2024
“I was on my ride-on mower and went over a golf ball which then flew into my lead light door – shattering the glass and distorting the lead.” “Someone attempted (and failed) to break in through my stained glass front door and it’s now damaged” “My dog has jumped up at the lead light door and its claws have distorted the lead and the panel is now bowing” “My teenage son left the house in a mood – slamming the front door behind him and breaking a number of panes of glass in the process” These are just some of the scenarios that clients have approached me about over the 23+ years I have worked as a stained glass artist and lead light maker/restorer. My first words to the clients are always of reassurance that what is now broken can be fixed. The techniques I have developed and mastered enable me to effect a repair that is very often imperceptible – even to the trained eye.
Stained glass has a history which goes back thousands of years
by Matthew Waters 25 January 2024
Stained glass has a history which goes back thousands of years and stained glass windows in Britain can be dated back to the 7th century. Glass as a material, appears to have first been used in windows by the Romans and later, the Anglo Saxons developed the Medieval art form where coloured glass and lead were combined to create decorative windows in churches and cathedrals.
Stained glass, a traditional art form with a rich history, is making a striking comeback
by Simon Edward 25 January 2024
Stained glass, a traditional art form with a rich history, is making a striking comeback in contemporary home design. Today's homeowners are finding innovative ways to incorporate this timeless craft into modern aesthetics, proving that stained glass is as versatile as it is beautiful.
Stained glass is not just a visual delight
by Simon Edward 25 January 2024
Stained glass is not just a visual delight; it's a kaleidoscope of colours that can influence emotions and atmospheres in any space. Understanding the psychology behind these colours can transform the way we incorporate stained glass in our homes.