About Aylesglass

Stained glass panels These are made to order. I like to work closely with the client from the initial design stage right through to choosing the glass. I make the panels in the traditional way, using lead came, although they can be incorporated into double-glazed units if required. Details or maybe lettering can be painted on using glass enamels which are then fired in the kiln. I can also use the kiln to create a custom-made piece of glass for a particular part of a window. (See below for more about this process.)

Fused glass panels These are also made to order. Different coloured glasses are melted together in the kiln to produce a unique piece. Although the ancient Egyptians used this technique, it was superseded by blown glass and largely forgotten until recently. Now there is a resurgence of interest in this method and a wonderful and ever-increasing range of compatible glass is available. When transparent colours are used, as for a window, it has been called ‘painting with light’, and this well describes the effects that can be achieved. Further effects are possible with the addition of texture through ‘kiln-casting’ – a process which adds a third dimension to the glass surface.

Lighting I made traditional Tiffany style lamps for many years but am now developing designs using fused glass. I hope to have some photos soon. They could be available as wall lights, table lights or lightboxes. In the meantime I am happy to discuss commissions.

Tableware My bowls, dishes and candleholders are made by slumping a piece of fused glass into or over a mould. While I welcome commissions for special pieces, there are usually some examples of my work on display at the Devon Guild of Craftsmen in Bovey Tracey, west of Exeter.