Interview with Matthew - the Stained Glass and Lead Light Maker
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! From that time on, I knew that this was the avenue that I wanted to go down and I was fortunate to already have a workshop set up which was soon modified to accommodate my new skill. I spent time with another stained glass studio in order to develop the skills needed and from that point on I've just been very fortunate to have never really had an occasion when there wasn't a project on the workbench.
Can you tell us what enjoyable projects you’ve worked on?
To be honest, all my projects are enjoyable but the ones which give me the most satisfaction is when an entranceway, which has lost its original stained glass features and has subsequently been glazed with a non-descript frosted glass, gets to have a makeover. This means I have to determine what that original stained glass feature might have looked like – drawing clues from adjacent properties or other research methods. The enjoyment I get on installing these beautiful stained glass panels in to the door, knowing that I’ve designed and made them, is really satisfying.
Work on leaded light windows is equally as fulfilling as these windows are always in old, historic Grade I, II or II* listed buildings where conservation is paramount. Often the glass that's contained in the lead light windows is of historical note – it might have distortions, air ‘seeds’ or other imperfections to the eye but these are intrinsic of very old, handcrafted, mouth blown glass. Sometimes the glass has been inscribed with a maker’s mark from hundreds of years ago and it’s so fascinating to be working on something so aged.
A possible "Maker's Mark" Dated to 1747
Are you able to create a stained glass window from an idea or sketch?
Yes I’m always happy to work with any suggestions or ideas that a client may have. Some designs may require alterations to ensure that all the shaped pieces of glass are able to be cut out and that the design doesn’t have potential weak points which could fracture. I can also advise on design ideas if the client is unsure what they want and need some direction.
What are your lead times?
This can vary depending on the work involved. A small in situ repair to a broken pane can usually be carried out within 1 – 2 weeks, whereas a more sizeable commission such as a series of entranceway panels or several lead light windows is likely to be around 8 – 10 weeks. I always inform the client when I accept the commission, what my current lead times are and keep them updated as the project progresses.
Can I visit you at your workshop/gallery?
Of course! I always encourage a client to visit - especially if they want to look through my glass stocks for particular colours and textures of glass. It’s a good opportunity to discuss design options and answer any further questions. My workshop is a working studio but has a comfortable area set aside for client visits. It’s always advisable to contact me to make a specific appointment to visit.
Glass and Lead Stock Selection
What are your prices?
Each and every commission whether new panels, new lead lights or repairs are different so prices will be on application. However, I always ensure that once a costing is provided, then the client can be confident that the price quoted is the final amount.
Do you install the panels or is this something I can do myself?
Yes, I can install both stained glass features as well as fitting lead light windows – this will often involve chasing out the existing glass so is not necessarily a task I would recommend a client tackling unless they’re confident. When freshly made, stained glass panels and lead light windows are surprisingly rigid and robust so I will talk the client through the process if they wish to do the installation themselves but I always stress that this is at their own risk. If the preferred option is for me to install then the price for fitting will be on application.
Do you carry out work on churches and cathedrals?
No is the short answer – churches generally have dedicated ‘ecclesiastical’ craftsmen who specialise in working on religious buildings. I centre my work around private homes and period properties.
Some tools of my trade (From Left to Right): Trusty lead knife, Rooster Fid, Diamond Glass cutter, Grozling pliers, horse shoe nails and hammer for holding the glass and lead secure during construction.
I have a lead light window on a metal casement installed within a wooden frame badly in need of repair to all the components – do you get involved in the woodwork and metalwork needed?
If a metal casement window is missing a handle or it’s become detached, I have the facility to be able to remedy this. Woodwork repairs to sills and mullions are also something that I can factor in depending on the level of deterioration. If more extensive rebuilding work of the wooden frame is needed, then I can call on the expertise of a number of local conservation joiners.
Thank you Matthew for this interview, where can we find more information about your many projects?
You're welcome, please head to my Gallery page at www.leadlightgallery.co.uk/gallery.
