York Friends Launch Studio to Preserve Ancient Stained Glass Craft

In York, two friends have established a new studio focused on advancing the imperiled art of stained glass conservation. Megan Barnett and Zoe Harrigan founded Woodside Stained Glass earlier this year, having formed their friendship while attending a course at the University of York. The duo described their occupation, which involves handling glass, lead, and knives at elevated positions, as hazardous yet rewarding. Ms. Harrigan stated: “It’s very satisfying when you manage to get something not quite back to how it was 500 years ago, but as close as you possibly can.” Nevertheless, the craft of stained glass window production was added to the endangered craft list last year, attributed to increasing difficulty in acquiring materials and insufficient training avenues. The founders clarified that a scarcity of individuals possessing specialized knowledge of these methods exists, largely because relevant courses have been discontinued. Ms. Barnett remarked: “We use a lot of mouth-blown glass that’s made in exactly the same way as it would have been made a thousand years ago,” adding, “The paints, the enamels, the stains that we use haven’t changed in the way they’re produced but it’s becoming more and more costly to produce them, so less people are continuing to do so. “So many independent makers have had to shut down recently and we have to get a lot of our glass from the continent now.” Both individuals encountered each other during their pursuit of MAs in stained glass conservation and had previously operated independently as freelancers prior to collaborating to launch the studio. Ms. Barnett, who initially envisioned a career as a teacher, commented: “It’s certainly not something I would have ever considered as a career choice when I was younger.” She continued, “I just happened upon it by accident really. It’s quite a small and very niche world.” The 35-year-old further noted that despite widespread enthusiasm for stained glass, establishing a career in the field presents challenges. Following intermittent periods of collaboration over the last seven years, Ms. Harrigan indicated their decision to “start a company and go legit.” Currently, the duo provides services for the restoration and replacement of ancient glass, alongside creating new designs on a commissioned basis. Ms. Barnett remarked: “Over a career, it’s amazing how many challenges you face.” She elaborated, “There is trying to match the colour, tone and texture, if you’ve got a hole in a piece of glass. “When you’re on site and trying to fit a window, there are the challenges of working with medieval stonework or woodwork and respecting the other crafts that are involved.” Two interns have already commenced training at the studio to acquire these skills, and the partners expressed their aspiration to engage additional apprentices to aid in safeguarding their craft for subsequent generations. Information regarding highlights from North Yorkshire is available on BBC Sounds, with the latest episode of Look North also accessible. Submissions for potential stories are welcomed. This content is Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Details concerning the BBC’s approach to external linking are provided.