MACKINTOSH WINDOW

This striking commission began with a blank kitchen wall and a client’s wish to bring both light and life into the space. Inspired by the timeless work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the design drew on his iconic roses and elegant geometry to create a contemporary homage filled with bold, uplifting colour.

After detailed design discussions, I produced a full-scale drawing divided into four sections, each carefully reinforced with hidden steel to ensure lasting strength and stability. Every piece of glass was hand-cut and ground to precise dimensions, its hues chosen to flow harmoniously from one to the next. Working over a light box allowed me to visualise how the glass would shimmer under different lighting conditions — ensuring a perfect balance of tone and texture.

The leading process followed centuries-old tradition: each glass fragment nestled into its channel of lead, secured with nails as the design came to life piece by piece. Straight lines offered moments of rhythm, while the curved roses demanded patience and finesse. Once soldered, the finished panel required a coordinated lift by four pairs of hands — a true collaboration of skill and care.

Finally, the window was installed within a custom-built light box on the kitchen wall, backlit to reveal its detail and colour at any time of day. With a simple switch, the glass now glows — a living artwork that transforms the room’s atmosphere and celebrates craftsmanship, design, and light in equal measure.

Commission your own bespoke stained-glass feature to transform your home with artistry, colour, and light.