GlenmorangieStillhouse Window
Tain, Scotland • fused Bullseye glass artwork
The Still House at Glenmorangie Distillerya window opening was created high on the north wall of the stillroom to house this commissioned window
The Project
The Glenmorangie Window was created for the Still House at Glenmorangie Distillery in Tain, Scotland. The project began as an invited competition where several glass artists were asked to present concepts for a new window.
The theme was to be based on Glenmorangie’s signet, which is derived from the historic Hilton of Cadboll Pictish stone. Instead of a traditional flat window, I chose to create a relief sculpture in glass, reflecting the carved nature of the original stone.
Research & Inspiration
I visited the distillery and met sculptor Barry Grove, who had created a contemporary interpretation of the Hilton of Cadboll stone. I also studied the original stone at the Museum of Scotland, including recently uncovered base sections. These visits greatly influenced the final design.
Glenmorangie Still House Window
Tain, Scotland • 2010
Design Development
The initial concept used slumped float glass for its beautiful silvery quality. After acceptance, Glenmorangie requested the incorporation of whisky-inspired colours. This led to extensive experimentation with glass fusing techniques using compatible Bullseye glass.
Making Process
The window consists of nine panels, the largest measuring approximately 1.35 metres square. Each panel was created through a complex process:
- Hand-crafted high-temperature relief forms
- Layering of clear and coloured Bullseye glass frit
- Fusing at temperatures over 800°C with carefully controlled heating and cooling cycles (approx. 18 hours)
The firing process destroys the forms, making each panel unique. The largest central panel weighs around 170 kg.
Installation
The completed window was transported from Germany and installed high in the Still House — a space often referred to as “the Cathedral” of the distillery. It sits within a specially manufactured frame.
Final Thoughts
This project marked a significant development in my practice, moving toward sculptural fused glass relief. It was a great pleasure to work with the Glenmorangie team on such an ambitious and site-specific piece.
The window is designed to remain a permanent part of the distillery for as long as whisky is produced there.
glen of tranquility
the window
about the window
The Brief
John Kenneth Clark • 2010 • Tain, Scotland
The Project
The Glenmorangie Window was created for the Still House at Glenmorangie Distillery in Tain, Scotland. The project began as an invited competition where several glass artists were asked to present concepts for a new window.
The theme was to be based on Glenmorangie’s signet, which is derived from the historic Hilton of Cadboll Pictish stone. Instead of a traditional flat window, I chose to create a relief sculpture in glass, reflecting the carved nature of the original stone.
Research & Inspiration
I visited the distillery and met sculptor Barry Grove, who had created a contemporary interpretation of the Hilton of Cadboll stone. I also studied the original stone at the Museum of Scotland, including recently uncovered base sections. These visits greatly influenced the final design.
Design Development
The initial concept used slumped float glass for its beautiful silvery quality. After acceptance, Glenmorangie requested the incorporation of whisky-inspired colours. This led to extensive experimentation with glass fusing techniques using compatible Bullseye glass.
Making Process
The window consists of nine panels, the largest measuring approximately 1.35 metres square. Each panel was created through a complex process:
- Hand-crafted high-temperature relief forms
- Layering of clear and coloured Bullseye glass frit
- Fusing at temperatures over 800°C with carefully controlled heating and cooling cycles (approx. 18 hours)
The firing process destroys the forms, making each panel unique. The largest central panel weighs around 170 kg.
Installation
The completed window was transported from Germany and installed high in the Still House — a space often referred to as “the Cathedral” of the distillery. It sits within a specially manufactured frame.
Final Thoughts
This project marked a significant development in my practice, moving toward sculptural fused glass relief. It was a great pleasure to work with the Glenmorangie team on such an ambitious and site-specific piece.
The window is designed to remain a permanent part of the distillery for as long as whisky is produced there.