Beginners gain a comprehensive introduction to the craft of stained glass, while those with more experience will consolidate skills and learn new techniques to make beautiful stained glass.
As well as learning the traditional techniques used to make stained glass, you will be taught how to use sandblasting as a means of decorating glass and investigate the use of resists on clear glass to explore the effects available to produce a series of test pieces. You will learn how to sandblast to a frosted finish, create a three-dimensional effect, carve with the sandblaster and use flashed glass to create a two-colour finish.
You will be encouraged to use the grounds and buildings of West Dean as inspiration for your work; particularly for the decorative sandblasting.
A structured start is followed with guided independent practice. Group demonstrations will be given when appropriate on specific processes. Individual tuition and advice is given throughout the course. By the end of the course, you should be confident in your ability to design and make a stained glass panel.
By the end of the course you will have completed at least one piece of stained glass; this could be a panel or a site-specific window. You will also have the opportunity to make a small hanging (10 x 40cm) for your garden if you wish.
Handouts will be provided on all aspects of the processes involved, health and safety requirements and suppliers of the materials used should you wish to continue making stained glass after the course.
Summer School highlights:
The Summer School week is an immersive learning experience with more time to develop your creativity and embrace opportunities for creative development beyond your chosen course. A detailed timetable for your Summer School week will be given to you on arrival. This will include:
• Short inspirational talks by tutors and displays of their work
• A short creative experience session in another discipline/media or course
• An optional evening at the Chichester Festival Theatre (if pre-booked)
• An optional lunchtime tour of West Dean Gardens, the historic rooms at West Dean College, or West Dean Tapestry Studio
• A celebration dinner on the last evening, with a surrealist theme inspired by Salvador Dalí, who was one of West Dean founder, Edward James’ friends and collaborators. (Feel free to respond to the theme if you wish.)
• Informal end-of-course group reviews and displays of students' work in studios
As evening events are planned as part of the Summer School week, dinner is included in the course fee to enable all students, including non-residents, to participate fully. A detailed timetable will be given to all students on arrival.
(Please note that plans may be subject to change depending on GOV.UK guidance at the time.)
Timetable for Summer Schools
Several evening events are planned throughout the week, a detailed timetable for the summer schools will be given to you on arrival.
Arrival Day
Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.
Daily timetable
Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.
From 6.30pm: Dinner (included).
Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Last day
Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.
Residential students should vacate their rooms by 10am please.
Carole Gray trained in three-dimensional design at Middlesex University. She is a member of the Contemporary Glass Society and the British Society of Master Glass Painters.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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