The Site

This is the beginning of a major rebuilding of this stained glass website, www.glasspainter.com.

The concept here is to allow a great deal of information to be viewed here, from this first page, without having to click and wait. There are more stained glass projects within this site than I can show here on the first index. All can be reached by using the navigation buttons above.

The rest of the web site will be modified to follow this concept over time, probably one index after another.

I want to keep the richness of information contained within my website for the more interested viewer, but allow a very fast overview of the content of the site for those looking for a quick impression or the simply curious.

This page should be seen as a sample sheet where stained glass images from different projects and information about the projects can be can be quickly viewed.
To go into more depth, use the navigation buttons above.

The project button beneath each image is a short description of that project giving the name of the project and dimensions and under which index the project can be viewed.

On the navigation bar, I have added NEW. This, as could be expected, shows new features or indexes that I have added to the site.

Introduction

I have built and maintain this site as an online mainly stained glass resource showing what I do and sometimes how it is done.

I find that being able to show my work as I want it to be seen and for it to be within reach of a wider audience than the established media and publishing possibilities will generally allow to be, is one of the great advantages of the internet.

The work that is contained within this site was all commissioned. That is, ordered.

I know that it can be intimidating for people to contact an artist and to trust a project to someone they don't know. But I hope that by looking around this site and seeing what I have created for my clients that some of the uncertainty will be removed.

In the next box, have posed some questions that I am typically asked when someone is interested in commissioning a project, and then have given brief answers.

If you have any further questions or want fuller explanations then please contact me or one of my representatives. Contact information is available from the main index.

Commissioning

Where do the projects come from?

I am commissioned by an individual or group of people to create a work for a specific location or function. I am basically a commissioned artist.

So how does this work?

There are many ways and no fixed rules, I have been contacted by individuals, committees, agents, architects and so on. You contact me and we see what is the best way to begin a project.

Do we need to supply the theme or the concept?

I find it good to have a starting point, a reference from where I can begin but this comes about in many ways. I have had fixed briefs with definite content, a text, a piece of music, the life of an individual or institution or just a discussion where the brief is subsequently agreed and formulated.

How is a design presented?

Usually as a scaled watercolour design. I like however to present designs at a half way stage for discussion with the clients.

How much does this cost?

It depends entirely on what I am asked to do. The design fee will be agreed at the outset.

Can you work to a budget?

Indeed, almost every work has an agreed budget.

How long does it take to make the work?

Again it depend on how much is involved and how many projects I am working on. An idea of how long it will take will be given with the design and deadlines can be agreed.

Can you supply world-wide?

Yes indeed, the studio where I make my work is a large studio used by many artists from all over the world and there is no difficulty in sending the work anywhere.

Short Biography

Born in Dumbarton, UK in 1957

Studied in the Glasgow School of Art, Department of Murals and Stained Glass where I graduated in 1980 as BA. Further study in GSA to MA degree. Lecturer in Stained Glass until 1985.

Since 1985 I have been a freelance stained glass artist. I established a studio in Scotland and worked there until 1990.
Since 1990, I have made all of my work in the Derix Studios in Germany.

Awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Paisley in 2003

Some Commissions

Lockerbie Memorial Window

Dec. 1991 Lesser Town Hall Lockerbie.
Dim: 3 @ 2290 x 815mm and 3 @ 920 x 815mm. Dim: 4 @ 1.8Mt x 55cm, 1 @ 2.3 x 70, Tracery

The Millennium Window

Jun 1999, Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow. Theme : Growth
3 lancets, 1 - 5Mt x 70cm, 2 - 4Mt x 50cm

The Falklands War Memorial Window

Nov 1999, Pangbourne College, Pangbourne.
Dim: 144 - 45cm x 45cm

The Alexander Stone Memorial Window

Nov. 2000, Hutchesons' Grammar School, Glasgow Dim: 18 panels 1.7Mt x 0.94Mt

End of the Age of Innocence

Pinehurst, North Carolina
2005,
Dim 1.92Mt x 1.00M

Domaine Mechtildshausen

Sep. 2005, 2 Windows on a theme of the Elements
Dim : 7 panels various sizes, 1 panel 1.60Mt x 1Mt

Past - Future

Former Synagogue, Hirshberg, Germany
Apr. 2006, 2 Circular Windows
Dim : 1 panel 1.23Mt, 1 panel 1.34Mt

Project Title

End of the Age of Innocence

Description

Single Staircase Window

Location

Private House
North Carolina

Dimensions

Dim 1.92Mt x 1.00Mt

Date completed

July 2005

Text

It was commissioned for a Private House in North Carolina in the USA. I was asked to create a symbolic work with a medieval quality. This is what I have come up with.
Although the symbolism is medieval in origin, there are layers of interpretation here, that at this moment in time, seem appropriate.

Technique

Stained Glass, Mouth Blown Antique Flashed Glass, extensive multi-layer glass etching, glass painting and silver-staining

Index

Figurative, Symbolic

Project Title

Amberg- Ammersricht

Description

A symbolic project made up of 64 panels

Location

Amberg- Ammersricht. Germany

Dimensions

2 @ 28M x 1450mm

Date completed

July 1996

Text

2 sets of 8 panels on the theme of the Old and New Testament
Themes from the Book of Revelation. New Jerusalem and River of Life.
Light band made up of 48 sections

Technique

Stained Glass, Mouth Blown Antique Flashed Glass, extensive multi-layer glass etching, glass painting and silver-staining

Index

Symbolic

Project Title

Glasgow Cathedral - Millenium Window

Description

A three lancet window on the north side of Glasgow Cathedral

Location

Glasgow Cathedral, Scotland

Dimensions

3 lancets, 1 - 5Mt x 70cm, 2 - 4Mt x 50cm

Date completed

June 1999

Text

The year 2000 is the recognized or observed anniversary of the Birth of Christ, therefore this window should relate to the life or teaching of Christ.
There are very few references on the theme of GROWTH in the New Testament. One teaching that does seem relevant is the Parable of the Sower and some of the related parables.
This parable works on several levels and deals directly with the three aspects of growth that were outlined in the brief.
A series of parables have been written and symbolized.

Technique

Stained Glass, Mouth Blown Antique Flashed Glass, extensive multi-layer glass etching, glass painting and silver-staining

Index

Symbolic, textual

Project Title

Alexander Stone Memorial Windows

Description

A series of 18 panels using quotations to illustrate the long history of this school

Location

Hutchesons' Grammar School, Glasgow

Dimensions

Dim: 18 panels 1.7Mt x 0.94Mt

Date completed

Nov. 2000

Text

This work was commissioned by Hutchesons’ Grammar School in Glasgow as a Memorial to Sir Alexander Stone who was a great benefactor of the School.
It was an unusual project for me as there is no design as such, it is a project using quotations which encapsulate the history of this school which was established in 1648.

Technique

Slumped Float Glass

Index

textual

Project Title

Queen‘s Park Synagogue - Rosh Chodesh

Description

A series of 22 windows of various dimensions

Location

Made for Queen’s Park Synagogue, Now in Giffnock Synagogue

Dimensions

Dim: 8 @ 1500 x 600mm, 2 @ 750 x 600mm, 8 @ 2000 x 650mm semi-circle.
1 large triptych window and 1 half dome. 20 sq/mts.

Date completed

1992

Text

The smallest window of a series of windows originally commissioned for Queen’s Park Synagogue, in Glasgow and now displayed in Giffnock Synagogue.
They are on the theme of the Jewish Festivals.
The picture of the dome at the bottom of this page was the largest window within this commission.

Technique

Stained Glass, Mouth Blown Antique Flashed Glass, extensive multi-layer glass etching, glass painting and silver-staining

Index

Symbolic, synagogue

Project Title

Beirut Hostages - Captivity and Freedom

Description

Two windows commemorating the Captivity and Freedom of the British Hostages in Beirut

Location

Broxted, Essex

Dimensions

2 @ 2000mm x 300mm plus Tracery, 2 @ 2400mm x 45mm plus tracery

Date completed

1993

Text

It was designed and made to mark the captivity and freedom of the Beirut Hostages, specifically, John McCarthy, Brian Keenan and Terry Waite.
The windows are located in the Church which the McCarthy family attended and was a focal point for those working for the release of the hostages.
I used a cubist approach to give a sense of the confinement and the captivity window is almost entirely black and white.

Technique

Stained Glass, Mouth Blown Antique Flashed Glass, glass etching, glass painting and silver-staining

Index

Church, Symbolic

Project Title

Newlands Chuch

Description

3 windows on the themes of The last Supper, in the Garden of Gethsemane and the Supper at Emmaus

Location

St Margrets, Newlands, Glasgow

Dimensions

Dim: 3 - 1.2Mt x 61cm

Date completed

Nov. 2002

Text

Three windows based on scenes from the New Testament. The hands at the base of the window represent christ so the stylized scenes that are depicted in these windows are seen from His point of view. The themes are :
The Last Supper
The Garden of Gethsemane
The Supper at Emmaus

Technique

Stained Glass, Mouth Blown Antique Flashed Glass, extensive multi-layer glass etching, glass painting and silver-staining

Index

Church, Figurative

Project Title

Bowdon Synagogue

Description

four sets of four panels depicting the Major Jewish Festivals

Location

Bowdon Synagogue, South Manchester

Dimensions

4 panels 1.10mt x 0.71Mts , 12 panels : 1Mt x 0.60Mt

Date completed

2005

Text

This project was the first part of a larger scheme for the new Synagogue in Bowdon.
Along the upper gallery, the center 4 windows have been filled with windows depicting the major Jewish Festivals of Rosh Hoshanah and Yom Kippur, Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot.

Technique

Mouth Blown Antique Flashed Glass, extensive multi-layer etching, painting and silver-staining

Index

Symbolic, Synagogue

Project Title

Hirschberg - Former Synagogue

Description

2 Abstract Round Windows for a former Synagogue

Location

Hirshberg, Germany

Dimensions

Dim : 1 panel 1.23Mt, 1 panel 1.34Mt

Date completed

April 2006

Text

Being for a former synagogue in Hirschberg - Leuternhausen, near Heidelberg in Germany, obviously, this project had to be treated with even more than the usual sensitivity to the building.
Two circular windows in which I have treated in an abstract manner, depicting the past and present use of this building which is now a Culture Center.

Technique

Mouth Blown Antique Flashed Glass, extensive multi-layer etching, painting.

Index

Abstract, Synagogue

Project Title

Kilmacolm Old Kirk

Description

Window in 3 sections

Location

Kilmacolm, Scotland

Dimensions

Dim: 3 x 1.6Mt x 70cm

Date completed

Dec. 2002

Text

A memorial window dedicated to the memory of Miss Betty Peden-Fyfe.
The following text from Malachi was the given theme of the work.
”see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing”
The concept of Christ as ”the Light of the world ”

Technique

Mouth Blown Antique Flashed Glass, extensive multi-layer etching, painting and silver-staining

Index

Church, Figurative, symbolic, textual

Project Title

University of Strathclyde,

Description

A series of three Windows to mark the Bi-centenary of the founding of the Institution that has become the UNiversity of Strathclyde.

Location

The Barony, Glasgow

Dimensions

3 X 2140mm x 700mm

Date completed

Apr. 1996.

Text

This project was commissioned by The University of Strathclyde in 1995 to mark the Bicentenary of the founding of the institution that has become the University of Strathclyde.
Universities and places of learning function as a source of learning and knowledge, not because of buildings and structures, but because by using letters, numbers, signs and symbols, knowledge can be stored and passed through the generations. This is the basis for this concept.

Technique

Mouth Blown Antique Flashed Glass, extensive multi-layer etching, painting and silver-staining

Index

Secular, Textual

Project Title

Dumbarton - Riverside Window

Description

A window made up of 28 sections built into an existing frame.

Location

Riverside Church

Dimensions

Overall Dim :

Date completed

Sep. 2002

Text

A window continuing the text symbolism theme. In this case, the text acts like a veil over the symbols beneath.
The lettering consists of two quotations, one Old Testament and One New Testament.
Part of the brief was that the window should act like a beacon, therefore two quotations using the theme of fire.

Technique

Mouth Blown Antique Flashed Glass, extensive multi-layer etching, painting and silver-staining

Index

Church, symbolic, textual

Project Title

The Falklands War Memorial Window

Description

Location

Pangbourne College

Dimensions

Dim: 144 - 45cm x 45cm

Date completed

Nov. 1999

Text

A window to act as a focal point of a church built to the memory of those who died during the Falklands War.
The given theme was ”Peace out of Chaos” and I have concentrated on huge effort that was made to retake these islands.

Technique

Mouth Blown Antique Flashed Glass, extensive multi-layer etching, painting and silver-staining

Index

Church, symbolic

Project Title

Tribute to John Muir

Description

A series of four abstract landscapes based on the writings of John Muir. ONe large slumped window containing a quotation from John Muir.

Location

Oran Mor, Glasgow

Dimensions

Dim: 4 x 1.58 Mt x 0.55Mt
1 slumped panel - Dim : 2.5Mt x 1.2Mt

Date completed

2007

Text

Picture taken in the studio. The panels will be spaced widely apart.
The room in which these windows will be installed, Nov. 2007, will be called the John Muir Room. The concept is based on the writings of John Muir and are four abstract compositions that give a suggestion of landscape.
The text window is based on a quotation from John Muir.

Technique

Mouth Blown Antique Flashed Glass, extensive multi-layer etching, painting and silver-staining

Index

Secular, abstract, textual

Project Title

The Pibroch Windows

Description

3 Windows based on Pibroch - Canntaireachd

Location

Piping Centre in Glasgow

Dimensions

Dim. 3 @ 2300mm x 900mm

Date completed

Sep. 1996

Text

Pibroch is the classical music for the Scottish Bagpipe, Canntaireachd is the sung form of Pibroch.
Continuing with my interest in combining text and symbolism, I have used here the sung form of the music and the images and symbolism that the music implies.

Technique

Mouth Blown Antique Flashed Glass, extensive multi-layer etching, painting and silver-staining

Index

Secular, textual, symbolic

Project Title

Fundamental Elements

Description

Part of the second phase of windows made for the Domaine.

Location

Domaine Mechtildshausen

Dimensions

1.60Mt x 1Mt

Date completed

Sep. 2005,

Text

The last part of a series of six windows based on an abstract concept of the Fundamental Elements such as fire, water, and so on.
For this set of windows, I began working with a concept that I call “controlled spontaneity“ where both the design and making of the work contain a certain quality of randomness.
These windows are made using complicated repeat etching.

Technique

Mouth Blown Antique Flashed Glass, extensive multi-layer etching, painting and silver-staining

Index

Secular, abstract

Project Title

Gullane Parish Church - Windows on a theme of Local Creation

Description

3 windows on the West Gable of this building

Location

Dimensions

Dim 1 circle 1.4mts 2 arched windows 1.10Mt x 0.74Mt

Date completed

Nov. 2003

Text

The work should be atmospheric, spiritual and poetic rather than directly religious in content.
I found that in the discussions with the church members the symbolism led me to think in terms of a local Creation Window.
I have therefore treated the three sections as belonging to one overall concept.
The circular window has a dynamic of its own which I have increased.
The two lower windows which can be viewed from quite close contain local themes and images personal to the donor.

Technique

Mouth Blown Antique Flashed Glass, extensive multi-layer etching, painting and silver-staining

Index

church, symbolic

Project Title

The Lockerbie Memorial Window

Description

Window made up of 6 sections

Location

Lesser Town Hall Lockerbie.

Dimensions

Dim: 3 @ 2290 x 815mm and 3 @ 920 x 815mm

Date completed

Dec. 1991

Text

This window was commissioned following the tragedy of Pan Am Flight 103 which occurred on the 21st of December 1988 and struck the Scottish town of Lockerbie.
It was also made clear that the window should be a ”memorial” of the disaster and not, in any way a reminder. It was decided that the only area which could safely be explored was that of the flags of the nations of the people killed.

Technique

Mouth Blown Antique Flashed Glass, extensive multi-layer etching, painting and silver-staining

Index

Secular, memorial

Project Title

Cafe Gandolfi, A Flock of Fishes

Description

Two panels suspended on a metal frame within the interior of this famous Glasgow Cafe

Location

Cafe Gandolfi - Glasgow

Dimensions

Main panels, 1520 x 1060mm.

Date completed

1984 and 1987

Text

These are the oldest windows that I have on my web site to date.
They have become very well known because of their presence in this landmark Cafe in Glasgow.
I see them often when I am in Glasgow.

Technique

Mouth Blown Antique Flashed Glass, etching, painting and silver-staining

Index

Secular

Project Title

Konrad Kirche, Amberg- Ammersricht

Description

This part of the project consists of a light band consisting of 48 panels and is mainly on a themes from the Book of Revelation

Location

St. Petrus, Amberg Ammersricht

Dimensions

Dim. 2 @ 28M x 1450mm

Date completed

Jul. 1996

Text

Another detail from the Amberg windows, this a detail from New Jerusalem section.
This was a series of windows that took around 2 years to make.
The Project was made in two parts.

Technique

Mouth Blown Antique Flashed Glass, extensive etching, painting and silver-staining

Index

Church, symbolic

Project Title

Stonelaw Chuch, The Dawson Bequest Window<

Description

Five lancets and tracery, on the theme of the Holy Spirit

Location

Stonelaw Church in Rutherglen, Scotland

Dimensions

4 @ 1.8Mt x 55cm, 1 @ 2.3 x 70, Tracery

Date completed

Jan. 1999

Text

This window was made on the theme of the workings of the Holy Spirit.
It is another version of the text and symbolism concept that so interested me at the time.
The tracery is entirely New Testament quotations and the main lancets are text with symbolism.

Technique

Mouth Blown Antique Flashed Glass, extensive multi-layer etching, painting and silver-staining

Index

Church, symbolic, textual

Project Title

Domaine Mechtildshausen - Fundamental Elements

Description

The first four windows for this project for the entrance way to the Market Hall

Location

Domaine Mechtildshausen, near Wiesbaden

Dimensions

2 x 2.5 Mts x 0.82Mts , 2 x 1.7Mts x 0.82Mts

Date completed

July. 2003

Text

The first series of windows for the Domaine based on the concept of Fundamental Elements.
They were the first purely abstract windows I have made and began the series of the ”Controlled Spontaneity” that I am still working with.

Technique

Mouth Blown Antique Flashed Glass, extensive multi-layer etching and silver-staining

Index

Secular, abstract

Project Title

Queen’s Park Synagogue - Sukkot - Hoshanah Rabba

Description

One odf the series of 22 windows depicting the Jewish Festivals

Location

Formerly Queen‘s Park Synagogue, now in Giffnock Synagogue

Dimensions

2000 x 650mm

Date completed

1992

Text

One of the Sukkot windows for the Jewish Festivals series originally made for Queen‘s Park Synagogue, following the closure, the windows, at this time, all apart from the dome seen at the end of this row, are located in Giffnock Synagogue.
This was a 3 year project.

Mouth Blown Antique Flashed Glass, extensive multi-layer etching, painting and silver-staining

Index

Synagogue, symbolic

Project Title

Oakshaw Trinity Church - The Heritage Window

Description

Single window marking the unification of four churches

Location

Oakshaw Trinity Church, Paisley, Scotland

Dimensions

900mm x 2700mm

Date completed

1996

Text

Theme of Separation and Re-unification.
This window was commissioned to mark the reunification of four churches situated in very close to one another in Paisley in Scotland.
The window is not located in the main part of the church but in a side room which contains the history of the churches.
It was completed in 1996 and unveiled by HRH The Princess Royal.

Technique

Mouth Blown Antique Flashed Glass, etching, painting and silver-staining

Index

Church, symbolic

Project Title

Queen’s Park Synagogue

Description

Half Dome.

Location

Formerly Queen‘s Park Synagogue - presently in storage

Dimensions

20 sq/mts

Date completed

1992

Text

The largest window in the synagogue and not really part of the theme of The Jewish Festivals.
Following the closure of Queen’s Park, this work was removed and at present is in storage until we find something suiable to do with it.

Technique

Mouth Blown Antique Flashed Glass, extensive multi-layer etching, painting and silver-staining

Index

synagogue, abstract, textual