"Fine art is that in which the hand, the head, and the heart of man go together" - John Ruskin

A painted line is a direct communication from the person who places their brush upon the glass, there is no process of glass or lead to lessen the human touch. I have the great privilege of restoring many beautiful painted pieces, to gaze upon them up close and wonder about the people who painted them, the world they lived in and the images they created. Domestic work is under researched and has been overshadowed by the huge body of awe inspiring religious work but there many beautiful examples cherished as much by their proud owners as the greatest of cathedrals.



The peace and tranquillity of the countryside on your front door.

 

Elegant quarry work - simple and stunning repeated across fanlights and upper bay windows.

 

 

Beautiful stairwell panels and detail below.

 

 

Conservatory lakeside scene.

 

Detail from above panels.

Section of front door panels - painted quarries.

 

Birds were a popular subject in the Victorian era, this one has been cut down from a circular shape, the yellow curves in the corners show the remains of a circle border -nothing wasted in a busy studio!

The Rolls Royce of domestic work, almost every piece painted and acid etching in the fruit to bring out lighter shades.

Life is a journey of exploration - a great Victorian theme!

 

Part of a beautiful set of 'seasons' panels - mentioned on an earlier blog

 

An Arts and Crafts panel -the lower line reads 'Let Glasgow Flourish'. Sadly if paint is under fired or the mix is not quite right then the paint becomes unstable and over time can wear away.

 

This thoughtful, slightly anxious looking man is Jude from The Ancestors of Christ series at Canterbury Cathedral. Like many cathedrals Canterbury have their own dedicated stained glass workshop that researches and restores their fragile medieval panels. As these panels are gradually restored they are placed on show for a short time until they are refitted next year. If you get the chance to visit the cathedral you can see up close the hands and thoughts of medieval workers as they helped to create one of the most impressive cathedrals. It's a rare and unique opportunity and from the 18th of May until 23rd August 2015 (with a short break in July) 40 Ancestors of Christ panels will be on show in the Chapter House. Not to be missed!