Graham Dowding: Stained Glass
Graham has been one of Ruskin Mill’s craftsmen
since taking a workshop in 1993. He runs his own studio undertaking
commissions for new windows, restoration and conservation work.
He has maintained the glass at Gloucester Cathedral since 1983 as
well as many of Gloucestershire’s churches. He has taught
students on the education course, both in glass mosaics and stained
glass.
Graham’s background
After his education in local Stroud schools he trained as an architect
at Bath University in the 60’s. He worked as a freelance designer,
but also restoring old houses. He developed an interest in the “Green
Movement” in the 70’s and set up his first stained glass
studio in the late 70’s.
He has been inspired by the “arts and crafts”
movement in particular the work of Christopher Whall in stained
glass. He worked with the late Edward Payne in the early 80’s,
who was his predecessor maintaining the glass at Gloucester Cathedral.
He assisted in this work and succeeded Edward in 1983.
He believes in the “Artist/Craftsperson”
dealing with all aspects of the craft – from design to making
and fixing. More importantly he believes that work should be life
enhancing and absorbing and not drudgery. In this respect the ideas
of William Morris and John Ruskin inform his working life.
His own work is a blend of traditional stained glass
approaches using glass painting and antique glasses, but with no
preconceptions as to forms. He believes in glass being symbolic
and transforming.
Recent commissions
include:
- The Millennium window – St. John the Baptist Church, Randwick
- New Memorial window – St. Michael’s Church, Brimpsfield
- New memorial window – St. Peter’s Church, Clifford’s
Mesne
You can also find windows by Graham
at:
- St. Andrew’s Church, Sevenhampton
- St. Michael and All Saints, Bulley
- St. Peter’s Church, Cirencester
You can also visit his web site on:
www.grahamdowdingstainedglass.co.uk.
You can also e-mail him
on: graham.dowding@virgin.net
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