Stained glass

What will the course Cover?

The practical and design skills to create a simple stained glass panel. Health & Safety procedures relating to working in stained glass. Contextual studies of historical and contemporary stained glass.

Who is this course for?

Anyone interested in exploring this ancient craft and who may be interested in pursuing a career in the creative industries.

What skills, knowledge or experience do I need to start this course?

No prior experience needed but it would be an advantage if you have worked with craft or art materials either on a course or in your own time. A basic literacy and numeracy level is required.

What should I be able to do by the end of the course?

You will design a simple stained glass panel developed from a range of source materials such as sketches, photos, internet research. You will identify and use correctly the tools and materials required to produce a small, simple stained glass panel with the option of incorporating some elementary glass painting techniques. You will be able to identify Health & Safety procedures relating to working in stained glass.

How is the course organised?

A short induction will be given on the production methods and types of coloured glass sheet and other materials used in stained glass. Illustrated talks on historical and contemporary stained glass will be given along with demonstrations of practical techniques. Leaners will work on a personal project. This will take the form of a leaded glass panel with a maximum size of approximately A4.

What extra study or practice is expected outside of the class?

Visit examples of stained glass in buildings and museums and any relevant exhibitions. Keep a sketchbook, take photos, produce written notes. Research in libraries and internet.

How will my progress be assessed?

One to one and group feedback. Observation and assessment of designs and practical work in progress. Group discussions and feed back will take place to evaluate work in progress and when it is completed. An individual learning plan will be used to track progress. A project record with written and photographic record will also be used. Use of sketchbooks will be encouraged and used as a record and means of assessment.

What can I expect to go on to after this course?

Learners who achieve this qualification could progress to a Level 1 Award in Creative Craft qualification in Creative Craft including Stained Glass, Jewellery, Ceramics or Upholstery.

Are there any other costs and what do I need to bring?

Basic glass and soldering materials will be supplied. You will need to purchase any additional, specialised materials you require beyond what is available in the workshop. It would be useful to bring your own apron as some processes are messy. Any sketchbooks, drawings, photos, photocopies that can be used to develop a design would be useful, though we have a small collection of books to work from as well as access to internet for images.

What support is available?

Help with literacy or numeracy is available through the basic education programme and the ESOL programme offers help for speakers of other languages. Additional support can be provided for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Details of all available support can be found on our website (hfals.co.uk), in the Guide, the Student Handbook, or from teaching and reception staff.

Tutor - Tim Cunliffe

Tim Cunliffe is an artist who has been working in the media of stained glass, sculpture and drawing for nearly forty years. He has taught in the adult education sector since 1992 as well as in further education and as a visiting lecturer on degree courses. He trained as a sculptor at Canterbury College of Art on the BA Fine Art course from 1980-83. From 1988, he attended the Post Graduate Diploma in Stained Glass course at Central Saint Martin’s School of Art where he was taught by Amal Ghosh. He was awarded the Caroline Swash Stained Glass Fellowship in 1990. Throughout his career Tim has carried out many commissions in glass and taken part in numerous exhibitions both in the UK and internationally. He has exhibited as a member of the contemporary glass artists’ group New London Glass since 2001. His sculptural work includes cast bronze reliefs and unique fine art pieces in glass that he combines with other materials such as wood and metal. The British Museum acquired one of his bronze art medals in 2002. In 2018 he was commissioned to create a stained glass panel to illustrate the front cover of the UK based magazine, Shortlist. He has led workshops in the Victoria & Albert Museum and the British Museum.