5 reasons why Stained Glass is so special…
Stained Glass is special and worthy of loving for many reasons, some may be obvious and similar to yours, some may surprise you.
I’ll start with the obvious …
1. Colour! When i think of stained glass I immediately imagine stained glass windows - quaint English Churches spring to mind. I can remember how it felt seeing them when I was little, these feelings are still just as potent even as I get older - one of tremendous wonder.
On the outside these buildings are solid, cold looking structures but on the inside they are alive with colour and warmth from the stories in the windows. It couldn’t be more yin and yang.
2. Design. Im a strong believer that everything can be both practical and beautiful in equal measure.
For example, we’re currently building a Green House which we easily could have bought from B&Q plain and simple for £80.00 and it probably would have done the job nicely. Except after a couple of years it would have started to look battered and tired until eventually the wind and rain would of destroyed it beyond repair. Then we’d have to buy another one and begin the cycle again.
Instead we’re building one out of gorgeous reclaimed stained glass windows and doors we found in a skip and encasing them in a strong wooden frame. This will last us a lifetime and once finished will be the most beautiful green house I ever did see!
It’s the same for buildings, they could have used clear windows to keep the elements out so it worked practically as a warm and dry space. But (luckily) instead they chose to use coloured glass and arrange it in patterns that tell stories so the people inside feel more than just warmth and dryness.
They feel a surge of emotions that go far beyond the practical uses of the space, they get taken to a different place entirely all because of thoughtful design.
3. History. Records of stained glass have dated back to c. 800 - 820, that’s 2819 years ago! Somewhere way back in my family lineage there could have been someone making stained glass creations just like me! When I consider how much has evolved in two thousand years it blows my mind to think stained glass remains in its original form - thats quite a legacy.
Did you know we are still using similar techniques from over two thousand years ago today?
In a modern world where technology has completely transformed how we make things, knowing there’s this craft out there that can’t be digitised or mass produced by machinery brings me comfort. The importance of making things by hand is hard to convey, but for me it’s a necessity to living a fulfilled life.
4. Future. As we’re becoming more aware of humanity’s impact on all life on earth it’s incredibly important for me to pursue a life that isn’t harmful or damaging to others. For my own conscience (everyone is different which I respect and appreciate) however I am a sensitive flower at heart - who is also obsessed with making things. So to be making something by hand out of materials that can easily be recycled that doesn’t release any harmful chemicals back into the earth if thrown away, leaves me feeling a little lighter inside.
5. Relationships. Stained Glass is beautiful on its own but when paired with others it illuminates a mystical energy. Sunlight undoubtedly is its dearest companion, the two together are a match made in heaven. While surface provides a stage for the colourful shadows to dance on as the light pirouettes through. The audience is the lucky one who gets to observe and be moved by these interconnections - always being uplifted and left in a state awe.
Id love to hear why you love Stained Glass too.
Much love,
Jessica