Restored to former glory

Our latest project was to restore the stained glass windows in Church House, Glan Conwy in North Wales. My home. Originally fitted into the new building in 1932, they had suffered the test of time and were looking rather tired and stressed.

My task was to reproduce the original windows, to the same design, in this Grade II Listed building. The project was made up of 6 top panels which were repaired in-situ, 6 tall centre panels made new and replacing the existing ones and 6 bottom panels, again new and replacing the old ones, but fitted into removable opening windows.

The project took 3 months to complete and was finally installed on Friday 17 June 2011. A long, sometimes tedious task, that is rewarded with the most spectacular evening glow that throws wonderful casts of coloured light across the timber floor. Truly awesome, even spiritual!

A complete contrast to my usual work which has a distinct style, with it's curves, meaning and heavy narrative, this proved to be a challenge which I am very grateful to have be set. And provides an example of 'disciplined' contractual work which, in it's simplicity, is equally beautiful!

A place for all my Welsh work

Ever thought you 'belonged' somewhere else?

My Welsh grandfather moved to the South of England with his Dorset bride and as other distant relatives passed the link to 'home' slowly evaporated.

Drawn by something I can't understand or explain I moved to North Wales and planted a very small but enthusiastic seed. This was just a tiny step in the right direction.

However, mission was well and truely accomplished when, this week, my 12 year old daughter won Gold at Eisteddfod yr Urdd. Now, I appreciate that this may not mean much unless one understands it's context. I have made every effort to learn the beautiful language that is Welsh with some success, as has my wife.

However, for a child of two first language English speakers to learn 'everything' in Welsh is an astonishing achievement. To get through local rounds with her school choir singing entirely in Welsh and be chosen to represent the region is something else. To then go to Swansea to sing-off against all the other regions in Wales and get selected to appear on TV in Wales's top three is out there somewhere with the cookoos.
Then to win, well, I've run out of words...

This, I think, is the time to put all the work that appeals to my Welsh customers in its own special place. So, today I've launched 'Calon Cymraeg : Welsh Heart' to run along side Phoenix on facebook and be neatly packaged here on my website.

Handcrafted gifts and decorations, all glass, all Welsh, all from the heart!