Working In The Industry
- The Glass Sector
- National Glass Sector Employers
- Glass - The Basics
- Employer Skills Requirements
- Supply and Demand
- Working In Glass
- Sector Sub Categories
- Careers In Stained Glass And Architectural Glass
Careers In Stained Glass And Architectural Glass
Stained glass is a technical art form which expresses elements of design for glass in architecture combined with the discipline of skilled craftsmanship. The art form, which commenced in Europe in the Middle Ages, is now practised worldwide.
In recent years, a new generation of designer craftsmen has explored the use of glass in architecture in entirely new ways, developing traditional skills to focus on creating modern works of art. These are used in hospitals, shopping centres, private houses, corporate headquarters, retirement homes, as well as for new churches, mosques and synagogues. The basic craft techniques are not difficult to learn, but to become talented in these skills may take several years to master, and requires practice and dedication which takes real interest.
Specialisation falls into two broad categories:
- New design
- Conservation
Architectural Glass design
Imagination, colour appreciation and an interest in design are required in this field. A full range of courses for architectural glass design is available in the Education section of the website of The British Society of Master Glass Painters. Courses range from part time Further Education courses to full time university degree courses. Private tuition from practising glass artists is also available. Post-qualification training placements are also awarded annually by the Worshipful Company of Glaziers.
Historic Stained Glass/Conservation
An interest in art history, an eye for detail and being able to work with your hands are all important in this field. Training placements are available at a limited number of accredited conservation studios, where it is possible to train to NVQ Level 3 Glass Processing/Stained Glass.
