Stained glass

What will the course Cover?

This course deepens your understanding of stained glass by engaging you in the full creative process - from research and idea development through to the creation, presentation and evaluation of a finished piece. You will work on an ambitious personal project, producing a leaded or copper-foiled panel that incorporates more advanced kiln-fired techniques such as shading, matting, enamels and silver stain. You will also learn about using the sandblaster for creating a range of more involved surface treatments. Building on existing skills acquired on the Level 1 course or through an equivalent level of practice, you will refine your glass cutting accuracy, explore more complex leading and soldering methods and there is the option of developing advanced use of the copper-foil (Tiffany) technique. The course will emphasize the professional use of tools, materials and equipment, supporting you to work with confidence and autonomy. You will research historical and contemporary stained glass, comparing styles, techniques and contexts to inform your own creative ideas. Through guided exploration, you will learn how to develop, adapt and justify your design decisions. You will create initial concepts, gather visual research, debate and refine ideas, and translate them into detailed cartoons and cutline drawings. A strong focus is placed on planning and evaluating your work. You will document the complete process - recording challenges, solutions and areas for improvement - while preparing and maintaining a safe working environment throughout.

Who is this course for?

This course is intended for learners who have completed the Level 1 Award in Creative Crafts (Stained Glass) or who have equivalent experience. It is ideal for those wishing to extend their stained glass skills, develop more complex design and technical abilities, and produce work to a higher standard.

What skills, knowledge or experience do I need to start this course?

Completion of Level 1 Stained Glass or similar experience is recommended. You should already have basic competence in cutting, leading or foiling, and be comfortable working with art and craft materials. Literacy and numeracy at an appropriate level are required for written project work, research and evaluation.

What should I be able to do by the end of the course?

By completing the Level 2 Award you will be able to: Work confidently with a broader range of stained glass materials, tools and equipment. Apply more advanced glass-cutting, leading, soldering and copper-foil techniques. Explore and apply kiln-fired glass painting methods including shading, line work, enamels and silver stain. Prepare a range of resists for sandblasting and use the sandblaster to create surface effects. Research and compare historical and contemporary stained glass to inform your design process. Develop, debate, refine and justify your design ideas using sketchbooks, visual research and prototypes. Plan, create and present a final stained glass piece, documenting the process from concept to completion. Maintain effective health and safety practice in a workshop environment. Evaluate your work critically, identifying issues, solutions and areas for future improvement. Work with increasing independence and professionalism in the craft workshop.

How is the course organised?

Teaching includes demonstrations, practical studio sessions, presentations, guided research, group critiques and formal feedback. You will take part in structured tutorials and idea-development exercises aligned with Level 2 learning outcomes. Google Classroom is used to provide learning materials, presentations and handouts, and to support your research and documentation.

What extra study or practice is expected outside of the class?

You will be expected to carry out independent research, develop design ideas and maintain project records between sessions. Additional tasks may be set to help you refine skills or progress your project. Visits to stained glass sites, museums, exhibitions or libraries are strongly encouraged.

How will my progress be assessed?

Assessment is continuous and includes individual tutorials and group critiques as well as targeted tasks linked to Level 2 units. Formal assessments will occur for the course units, with both oral and written feedback. You will use documentation such as sketchbooks, written reflections and photographic evidence. You will be expected to record your work and progress in both digital and non-digital formats, upload online and produce a digital portfolio for assessment. The qualification is internally assessed and externally quality assured through a portfolio of evidence, with no formal exams.

What can I expect to go on to after this course?

This course also provides a strong foundation for progressing to a Level 3 qualification in a creative subject. You will develop practical craft techniques alongside transferable creative skills relevant to careers in crafts, handmade product businesses, community arts, retail, and freelance creative work. Learners will also build confidence, creativity and a portfolio of work to support further education, training, or employment opportunities within the creative industries.

Are there any other costs and what do I need to bring?

Successful learners will be able to progress to a Level 3 Award/Certificate at a college that offers a course in this subject, undertake specialist stained glass masterclasses, or continue developing personal or professional practice in the field.

What support is available?

Help with literacy, numeracy or digital skills is available through the functional skills programme. The ESOL programme offers help for speakers of other languages. Details of all available support can be found on our website (hfals.co.uk), in the Guide, the Student Handbook or from teaching and reception staff.

Tutor - Tim Cunliffe

Tim Cunliffe is an artist with almost forty years’ experience working in stained glass, sculpture and drawing. He has taught extensively in adult education, further education and at degree level. Tim trained in Fine Art at Canterbury College of Art, later studying Stained Glass at Central Saint Martin’s under Amal Ghosh, and was awarded the Caroline Swash Stained Glass Fellowship in 1990. He has undertaken numerous commissions, exhibited internationally and shown work with New London Glass since 2001. His practice includes bronze relief sculpture and mixed-media glass artworks. His pieces are held in major collections, including the British Museum. Tim has also created stained glass for public commissions and led workshops for both the V&A and the British Museum.