Having started extensive building works to create a new downstairs layout in our 18th Century farmhouse we were very keen to incorporate modern yet traditional fittings and showcase craftsmanship from local artisans that would withstand the changes of fashion.
As a new handcrafted oak door had been commissioned for our new kitchen we had been researching stained glass panels for a few months before we came across Dave’s work at a local craft fair. We thought his dramatic stained glass scenes truly inspiring and found Dave both exceptionally receptive to our requirements of a design based upon the countryside around our home in the Derwent Valley as well as being extremely helpful with creative suggestions. Dave consulted at every step of the way taking us step by step through the initial design process where we explored all options from formal to abstract and to what season we wished to reflect even to deciding the thickness, colour and textures we preferred in the glass he ultimately sourced. The finished panel is not just a unique piece of signed art but a functional feature in our home, and is much treasured.
We are delighted with it and the door’s individual glazing is always much admired by our guests as it perfectly complements the house and surrounding area and completes the look we wanted to create. Since we bought the panel we have been interested in following how Dave’s work has developed and love the contrasting seasons that he is producing and know how well these could be utilised in any new or conversion building projects. Should we move we could always take our panel with us but are sure any prospective buyer would make its inclusion part of the sale agreement; after all it is the focal point into our beautiful breakfast kitchen and is one of those features that buyers would always want to keep for themselves….It just means we’d be able to enjoy the whole creative process again.”
Vicky Webber |
We live in a beautiful peak district village, but, sadly, have no view of our beloved Bradford River and dale. So, we were delighted when Dave Griffin visited us, and suggested a stained glass panel to replace a very uninspiring interior window which overlooks our stairwell, using ‘borrowed’ light.
His design, following much conversation, visits to our house, and exploration of the Dale itself, perfectly captures the spirit of our home and the local area. We spent time at Dave’s workshop, choosing colours and glasses, learning about processes and admiring many other examples of his work and skill. It was an exciting time; we felt very involved in every stage of our panel’s design and construction.
Now, it is a stunning and much-admired feature of hour home. On sunny mornings, our walls are warmed with speckles of coloured light, as the jewel-like studs set into the picture refract the sun’s rays.
Thank you, Dave, for your imagination, skill and professionalism, and for working with us throughout the process. It’s an investment we shall never regret.”
Anne Osbourne |
I first saw examples of Dave’s work displayed in the Bakewell Information Centre and was greatly impressed by his design and imaginative use of glass. It wasn’t until my husband and I moved to an old property needing renovating that we had the ideal opportunity to enhance a window and at the same time, provide some privacy from the neighbours.
Our visit to Dave’s workshop was filled with excitement and anticipation and we were not disappointed. Many examples of beautiful coloured glass and wonderful designs gave us much food for thought. In the end we decided to go with Dave’s idea of a more traditional view of a landscape which we felt would be in keeping with the setting. His examples of a stylized view of Calder Valley depicting the four seasons were perfect and we were thrilled with the finished results. The imaginative blend of gloriously coloured and textured glass highlights the forms and shapes of fields, tress, moorland and sky. In situ, the varying light shining through the windows provides an ever-changing picture with coloured rays reflecting the images.
We consider ourselves to be very lucky owning such wonderful treasures and thank Dave for providing endless enjoyment.
Sue Dennis |
Since moving to our relatively new house and thinking that the porthole window overlooking our hall cried out for some stained glass, we were finally inspired to go ahead this idea after seeing Dave's work.
He spent time with us discussing what we might like and felt confident that he would come up with a great design- that he did- but this was only the beginning! We felt excited and involved and Dave was receptive to one or two ideas of our own. We had visits to his workshop and the process became insightful and instructive: looking at varieties of glass to seeing his delicate and skillful techniques.
The result is a dynamic abstract window, full of colour and movement and beautifully crafted. It absolutely fitted all expectations of what we had in mind and more!
Best wishes and a BIG thankyou- its brilliant!!
Audrey and Harry McArdle |
