McKaren
LeadedÂ
Stained
Glass
Leaded Stained Glass never dates.
It simply evolves to enhance a modern
contemporary setting as easily as it does
a medieval house or church.
McKaren Leaded Stained Glass
Stained glass leaded lights are still as practical and beautiful today as they were 1,000 years ago.
Despite all the technology of today there is still nothing that can compete or compare with a traditionally
made leaded window. Including a glass panel in a door or wall will throw light and colour across a dark
space to transform stairways and living spaces. I enjoy creating windows that will enhance today’s
environment and continue doing so for decades to come.
The colours, story-telling and sheer beauty of medieval church windows is breathtaking and a joy to look at.
However, it is stained glass leaded lights from Georgian and Victorian times and through the 20th
century to the present day that are my personal favourites. McKaren Leaded Stained Glass
creates windows and art pieces for the 21st century, using traditional techniques.
Old windows can be repaired or re-sized to suit a new purpose. It is always a terrible waste
to throw old glass away - many colours and textures are no longer made, so I keep as much
as I can for re-cycling either into a new project or to repair an old one.
About me
Stained glass has been a stunningly beautiful feature of our lives for centuries but I only really discovered it some 25 years ago. Of course I had admired leaded lights in churches, shops, private homes and public buildings all my life. I have always been mesmerised and enchanted by the light thrown through stained glass windows and the colours cast onto walls and ceilings.
The depth and versatility of stained glass was, to me, a mysterious art form until a holiday in rural Ireland when I came across a small shop. The shop was filled with sparkling coloured glass of every description and it drew me like a magnet! I was in awe of the lady whose shop it was when she told me she had made all the items herself. She talked to me enthusiastically about her ‘mysterious’ craft and encouraged me to try myself. By the time I left her shop I was completely hooked and knew that this was something I really wanted to do.
Since then I have practiced, studied, experimented and practiced some more before studying more formally to achieve a City and Guilds qualification. I have enjoyed every minute of learning, though to be honest every project is different so learning never really stops and I am more enthusiastic than ever. I love the whole process of creating a new piece of glass from first ideas to final polish.
Commissions
McKaren Leaded Stained Glass telephone: 07854 147717
If you are considering including some leaded stained glass in your home, or indeed if you already have a panel that is perhaps damaged or the wrong size for your purpose please give me a call. I will be delighted to discuss the possibilities with no obligation.
It is always preferable to visit the location of a proposed new window or door panel to discuss ideas in the context of the setting, and direction of natural light. All these factors are important in determining the design, style and construction of a window. If, however, it is not possible to visit the site then any plans, photographs and a good open discussion will do just as well. My job is to listen carefully to what my client wants and to understand the desired purpose, feel and effect the window is to evoke. I will use my experience to advise on colour and design, if you need it, and I am happy to liaise with architects or builders as required.
Please email or give me a call to talk about your requirements – I’ll be delighted to help.
