It has to be said that the art and craft of Stained Glass has not always been fully appreciated or understood. Even the term ‘stained glass’ is confusing as much of the glass is painted rather than stained. Join architectural historian David Evans as we attempt to unravel the historic mysteries of this wonderful craft.
After the ‘golden years’ of the high medieval period, the art of stained glass entered a prolonged decline lasting nearly two centuries. It was not until the Victorian era that the craft experienced a significant revival. The results were mixed: much of the work produced at this time was uninspired, yet some pieces achieved extraordinary beauty. This sharp contrast paved the way for the Arts and Crafts movement, which carried the medium forward with renewed purpose and artistic integrity as the 20th century approached.
In the 21st century, stained glass has continued to evolve and flourish, with contemporary artists creating works of remarkable inventiveness and skill. During this course, we will explore a selection of these recent achievements and look at them in context of the journey the medium has been on from medieval times through to today.
This Neighbourhood Workshop opens the door to a compelling world of colour, craftsmanship and history. Once it captures your imagination, you’ll find that stained glass adds a new depth of enjoyment to your visits to the many beautiful churches scattered across our country.
Our home for the day will be the wonderful Holbrook Manor, a graceful Georgian house set in the peaceful Somerset countryside near Wincanton. Effortlessly combining heritage, comfort, and tranquillity, you’ll immediately feel at home. With a 2-course lunch included and refreshments at breaktimes prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, we’ve certainly got your appetite for both delicious food and learning covered!
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Having had a long term interest in British Architectural History, David then sat at the feet of various luminaries including Paul Barnwell, Jon Cannon, Tim Porter, Mike Hope, John Mc Neil etc. which culminated in undertaking the Postgraduate Certificate in Architectural History at Oxford.
David is a Member of the British Archaeological Association and, until latterly, a member of the Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain.
Click here to find out more about David and his other available courses
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Nestled in the Somerset countryside near Wincanton, Holbrook Manor is a charming Georgian house offering comfort, calm, and character — ideal for residential courses and retreats. With its elegant rooms and home-cooked meals, it’s the perfect place to learn, relax, and recharge.
The venue has plenty of free parking and the course rooms are all accessible.
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Pen & paper if you wish to take notes, and an open mind!
