If you would like to learn how to make stained glass, I offer tuition in my workshop which focusses on the practical aspects of design, glass cutting and soldering with a view to completing your own small project using traditional leading techniques. For people who already have basic experience I also provide courses in more advanced techniques such as glass painting, silver staining and enamelling. The length of the course (usually two or three days) depends on what you would like to learn, and the content is designed to suit your individual needs.
One to one tuition allows me to provide each student with a high standard of education based on my 25 years of experience in the craft. I have room for two students in the workshop at any one time.
How to arrange a tuition session
If you are interested in arranging some tuition days, please get in touch with me to discuss what you would like to learn. I can then forward detailed course information and an application form, either by post or email. Once a booking has been made I can provide you with a colour brochure detailing local accommodation and places to eat within the surrounding Peak District if needed.
Vouchers towards the cost of a place on a course can also be purchased. These are designed for someone you know who would love to do a course in stained glass, and they make an ideal present. If you’d like to order one then please contact me via the Contact page.
Click here to see the itinerary for an Introduction to Stained Glass course
Introductory Stained Glass Course Itinerary
The itinerary given below is designed as a guide to how a stained glass course would progress.
Day One:
9.30am to 12.30pm
Introduction to design
Creating your own design
LUNCH
2.00pm to 5.00pm (approximate finishing time, depending on progress)
Creating your own design
Introduction to tools, glass types and cutting
Glass cutting practice
Selection of glass and cutting for your own panel
Day Two:
The busiest day!
9.30am to 12.30pm
Introduction to traditional leadwork technique
Leading up and soldering practice
Leading up and soldering your own panel
LUNCH
2.00pm to 6.00pm (approximate finishing time). Depending on how everyone progresses Saturday can sometimes run over into the evening, it can be a longer day.
Leading up and soldering your own panel
Cementing and drying overnight.
Day Three:
9.30am to 12.30pm
Introduction to alternative techniques such as copperfoiling
LUNCH
Cleaning and polishing leaded panel
Finish up
2.00pm to 4.00pm
Course conclusion
Tuition costs
The cost includes the provision of all tools and materials required, plus fresh tea and coffee. Please contact me for more information.
Course photos
Venue
The venue for the courses is my workshop in Great Longstone, near Bakewell. A central location in the heart of the Peak District, this location provides easy access to sights such as Chatsworth House should you wish to combine the course with a stay in the Peaks.
Bakewell DE45 1TD, UK
View venue information
Unit 6A
Longstone Business Park
Beggarway Lane
Great Longstone
Bakewell
Derbyshire
DE45 1TD
Accessibility:
Wheelchair access: Yes
Hearing loop: No
Wheelchair accessible toilet: Yes
Parking: Yes (two spaces)
Course Bookings and itinerary
The application form is an editable PDF file so you can fill it in and email it directly to me if you prefer not to post it.
Click here for full itinerary
Introductory Stained Glass Course Itinerary
The itinerary given below is designed as a guide to how the stained glass course will progress. There has to be flexibility as different people work at different paces, and some projects will take longer than others.
Day One:
9.30am to 12.30pm
Introduction to design
Creating your own design
LUNCH
2.00pm to 5.00pm (approximate finishing time, depending on progress)
Creating your own design
Introduction to tools, glass types and cutting
Glass cutting practice
Selection of glass and cutting for your own panel
Day Two:
The busiest day!
9.30am to 12.30pm
Introduction to traditional leadwork technique
Leading up and soldering practice
Leading up and soldering your own panel
LUNCH
2.00pm to 6.00pm (approximate finishing time). Depending on how everyone progresses Saturday can sometimes run over into the evening, it can be a longer day.
Leading up and soldering your own panel
Cementing and drying overnight.
Day Three:
9.30am to 12.30pm
Introduction to alternative techniques such as copperfoiling
LUNCH
Cleaning and polishing leaded panel
Finish up
2.00pm to 4.00pm
Course conclusion
Expressions of interest for courses are welcome. I can then forward detailed course information and an application form, either by post or email. Once a booking has been made I can provide you with a colour brochure detailing local accommodation and places to eat within the surrounding Peak District if needed.
Vouchers towards the cost of a place on the course can now be purchased. These are designed for someone you know who would love to do a course in stained glass, and they make an ideal present. If you’d like to order one then please contact me via the Contact page.
Dave was an excellent and patient teacher. I had been thinking about booking his course for several years and I’m so glad I did! I’m now confident designing and making my own pieces, and am looking forward to making more stained glass at home!
Charlotte B, October 2024
Thank you Dave for such an inspiring, stimulating and enjoyable three days. I learned so much. You’re an extremely skilled craftsman and you’re an excellent teacher too – patient, supportive and good-humoured. Your encouragement gave me the confidence to try something completely new and I came away from the course not only with a leaded stained glass panel and a copper foil light catcher, but with a real sense of achievement. I’d never really thought of myself as a creative person and it was a joy to find that with your help, I could make something I’m proud of. I really enjoyed the whole experience – learning new skills, the ups and downs of the creative process, and last but not least, the company of the other participants. There was something very nice about learning in a small group: you created a supportive environment where we could comfortably share our progress – and our mistakes! – with each other. And Cheryl kept us all hydrated with hot drinks, which were very welcome. All in all, it was a fantastic course, I’d recommend it to anyone.
Liz J, October 2024
Thanks very much for the course – it was great fun and I really enjoyed it. You are a fantastic teacher. Thank you very much for all your help and patience. It was great learning something completely new and I love the pieces we made.
Tigger M, October 2023
I just want to thank you for your patient tuition on the recent course. It was intense but I prefer that on a course. You struck the right balance of explanation, demonstration and letting us get on with it. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am quite proud of my first attempts at working with glass. Both pieces are now hanging up and I fully intend to equip myself with all of the tools I will need to carry on with this.