In 2011 Rainbow Glass Studios were approached by a London based architect to make eight large windows for the Blackpool Central Library. Each window measured 2m wide x 3m high, and we had 3 months to make them ! This was a very short lead time for such a large and complex project but it was an exciting challenge and we were ready. The designs were generated from the input of Blackpool Library users and brought together by Nick Robertson, it was then over to me to use whatever glass making techniques to enhance the design. My team for this project was Shane Moore, Scott Brown and Zhanna Foglietta. The images below puts the spotlight on of one of those windows, the illuminated train, a feature of the annual Blackpool Illuminations each autumn. This section was made using traditional stained glass method, etching, painting and leading. Here are some pictures showing the process.
In time I’ll be posting more about the various techniques used in making these Blackpool Library windows which included, glass fusing, laser etching, screen printing, kiln casting, verre eglomise to name a few. Looking back I’m amazed at how much we achieved in such a short time but sometimes it takes a tight deadline to focus the mind and get things done. I couldn’t have done it without Shane, Scott & Zhanna.