About
In this talk, Helen Whittaker will introduce the traditional art and craft of stained glass, its materials and methods as used from early Roman times to the present day. Techniques from different parts of the world and periods will be explored.
Besides the vast range of designs possible in stained glass, both abstract geometric patterns as well as figurative stories from the Bible, Helen will discuss its special qualities – that is light and colour and the beautiful ways in which light refracts and illuminates.
Helen will address the important question: is stained glass still relevant today? Leading on to her own work as an artist-designer. She will describe her approach to commissioned stained-glass pieces and present some key examples of her work over the past 25 years.
Helen’s career in stained glass has been nourished by her studies at VITA (Visual Islamic and Traditional Arts) MA Programme back in the 1990s, now known as the King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts. In this talk, she hopes to convey her passion for this medium and its significance in her life.
Key Information
Who is this lecture for?
All are welcome.
How do I attend?
This lecture will take place in person at the King’s Foundation: School of Traditional Arts, 19-22 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3SG
What days/times do I attend?
Wednesday, 7 May 2025, 18:30 – 20:00
FAQS
What if I need to cancel or change my booking?
No refunds or cancellations, unless cancelled by the School.
Do you offer concessions?
Yes, we offer concessions for full-time students and Seniors/60+.
Concessions cannot be applied in retrospect. To receive a concession, please apply via our online form. We will then send you a discount code to use when booking your place.
Terms & Conditions
The School reserves the right to discontinue or suspend a Lecture up to fourteen (14) calendar days before the advertised start date. This lecture requires a minimum number of enrolments to run.
Lecturer Biography
Helen Whittaker is an award-winning designer and maker of stained glass windows and metal sculpture, directing restoration painting alongside her new design work.
For over 25 years, she has been Creative Director of Barley Studio in York, a specialised Stained-glass studio with an international reputation for excellence in the conservation and creation of stained glass in cathedrals and secular buildings. Helen has completed more than 100 commissions for ecclesiastical, secular and domestic buildings all over the UK and internationally.
She received her MA in Visual Islamic and Traditional Arts at The Prince’s of Wales’ Institute of Architecture in 1998, now The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts
Helen is a Fellow of the British Society of Master Glass Painters (FMGP), Renter Warden of the Worshipful Company of Glaziers, a Craft Scholar of the Prince’s Foundation, receiving the ‘Hancock Medal’, and a Brother of the Art Workers’ Guild, London.
In 2018 she exhibited her stained glass as part of the then Prince of Wales’ 70th birthday celebration at Buckingham Palace.
His Majesty King Charles III opened two of her windows, one at St Mary’s Church Abergavenny (2016) and one at St Ethelburga’s London (2002).
In 2024 Helen was awarded an MBE “for services to the creation and conservation of stained and architectural glass art” in the King’s Birthday Honours.
