Leadlighting is the technique of joining different coloured glass shapes together with lead came. The glass pieces can be painted and fired as in stained glass or left unpainted or used in combination. The lead line and the choice of glass colour and texture are the important design features in leadlighting. Glass needs to be chosen carefully to reflect the designers intended expression or impression. The lead line becomes a graphic device as well as means to hold the glass together.

I have repaired many leadlight windows and have particularly enjoyed seeing the beautiful vintage glass used with its varied textures and sensitive colour variations. I collect vintage and retro glass to use in restoration as well as to use when I need something quirky and unique to bring my design to life. The famous English muffle glass was sought after for repairs until it was brought into production again in the nineteen nineties.

The penultimate glass to use is hand made in, using the technique of mouth blowing, not only does the colour sing and texture dance, it is an aesthetic experience in itself. I have combined painted glass set into a field of hand made glass to great effect. The hand made glass is free to breathe and the painted area provides contrast and expression.