Decorative glass windows bring in light and colour

Press, 4 July 1985, Page 16

Decorative glass windows bring in light and colour

Stained glass is a cen-turies-old art form that is now enjoying a revival. Interior designers and architects have rediscovered stained glass and how it can enhance a room or building. Atmosphere can be brought to a room through the use of colour. Soft greens, pale yellows, white, and grey glass will give a mellow feeling, whereas reds, bright greens, and blues will make a room visually exciting. Light is modified and altered through the use of different types of glass. Some glass will give a lovely ripple effect, rather like water, privacy can be provided in a bathroom window, and the glass also makes a feature to be enjoyed. Entranceways can be made distinctive with the addition of stained glass panels. Kitchens have seen the introduction of leaded glass in cupboards. This is a great way to add originality, and could be extended in the dining area by repeating the design there. Views can be enhanced by providing a frame, or a focal point to draw the eye, in leaded glass. Ideally, work needs to be commissioned at the planning stage of a building, so that designers and architects can consult together, with the client, to have windows that are in complete harmony with the surroundings. In homes where people wish to make alterations, the designer will come to the house, talk with the client, and ascertain just what is wanted. A designer will take into account the furnishings, colour scheme, and the light

the window will receive, as this will influence the type of glass and colours to be used. For instance, a southfacing window will probably have a lot more transparent and light-coloured glass, so as to permit as much light as possible, whereas more coloured glass can be used on a north-facing window. Glass artists in Christchurch have established an affiliate of the New Zealand Society of Artists in Glass. Twelve glass 'artists belong to the society at present,

and membership is expected to increase. Four glassworkers who are becoming established in Christchurch all have their own distinctive styles. Sue Johnson and Ben Hanly of “The Glassworks,” have been working with glass for five years now, and are concentrating on producing windows and panels of conotemporary design. They use their design talents to guide their clients into something unique that will work for them, rather than copying from books or magazines. They design for both homes and commercial premises. Recent commissions include windows for the Auckland University, and the Chancery Tavern, in Christchurch. They have also worked with the Christchurch artist, Philip Trustturn on various projects.

Rena Jarosewitsch has a studio in the Arts Centre. She has been designing and making leaded glass for seven years, after three years training in West Germany. One of Rena’s specialities is painting on glass, creating an extra dimension in her leaded windows. Painting allows detail to be added — veining on leaves and flowers, details on birds and in landscapes. Another aspect of her, work includes restoration of old windows, which she did in West Germany, and has continued on several historic places in Christchurch, including The Sign of the Takahe, and The Provincial Chambers. For her commissions and exhibitions, Rena uses acid etching, painting and leaded glass, to create windows that have distinct individuality. Gordon Wright, of Aurora Glass, designs in a geometric/abstract form, although he does do commissions in more traditional styles. He has been working in glass for four yars, and has several series of windows in commercial premises to his credit, among them Henry Africa’s Restaurant, and The Chancery Tavern. He prefers to work solely to his own designs, and has recently attended a workshop in the North Island, which he found stimulating. With the addition of stained glass, windows can bring not just light, but presonality and vitality to homes and commercial buildings.

Windows with personality and vitality