Steve Robinson | Glass Artist | Devon

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Window Case Study

An arched window for a Grade II listed Georgian home

For this commission, I was asked if I could create a large feature window that was to go in an existing arched window opening of a Grade II Listed Georgian home, and would be a focal point within the gentleman’s study.

The Brief & Concepts

The brief was to create an abstract tropical garden design with rich colour and texture.

I drew a number of concept ideas to show the clients. They lived some distance away from the Studio so we emailed the drawings to them, and then discussed them over the ‘phone.

Colours & Samples

Once the theme for the window was established, I was able to start work on the glass colours whilst finalising the design drawing. I made several samples in various colours, textures and effects, and photographed them on a light box so that when we emailed photos to the clients they would be able to see how the colours would look within the window design with light passing through.

Design Approval

As I discussed the samples with the clients, I explained where I proposed to use each colour and effect within the design. Being within a listed building the style of the window frame could not be altered so we were asked to make the window in two pieces with the arched top as a separate section.

With the design approved I was able to go ahead and make the glass. I made a full-sized cardboard stencil of the whole design so that I could mask off each area to be coloured, one at a time. The pins are to hold the stencil clear of the glass, otherwise the fine powders that I use would be smudged.

Glazing & Framing

Once the glass was coloured, fired and fused, it was then laminated with toughened glass to make it safe and to meet building regulations for glazing. The clients’ joiners made the framework and we liaised closely on measurements to ensure that the glass would be a perfect fit.

For this project I personally delivered the glass to site enabling me to oversee the installation.

How to Get in Touch

If you are considering a possible architectural glass commission, please get in touch at studio@steverobinsonglass.com to arrange a no-obligation discussion with me.