About

Join experienced local stained glass artist Cathy Steed in the beautiful surroundings of our Medieval learning hub.
Learning & Participation Hub, Gloucester Cathedral, St Mary's Gate, Gloucester, GL1 2QR

In this 6 and a half hour workshop, you will gain an understanding and appreciation of the stained glass in Gloucester Cathedral and the skills that went into making it.
The workshop is suitable for complete beginners. The focus of the workshop will be on the techniques of leaded glass. Each participant will make a leaded stained glass panel to take home, inspired by the shields in Gloucester Cathedral's East Window.
The panel will be sized approximately 18 x 23cm and will have two loops and chain for hanging.

The workshop will last 6 1/2 hours plus a 30 minute break for lunch. You may wish to bring a packed lunch with you.

Running order:
Morning session: 10am to1pm.
Afternoon session 1:30 to 5:00pm.
Participants will make a simple stained glass piece using pre-drawn shapes and designs inspired by the shields in the East Window of Gloucester Cathedral. There are 4 designs to choose from.

After a brief introduction to leaded stained glass and a description of the different processes involved, the participants will`;
• Choose a design and glass
• Learn to cut glass
• Cut the glass shapes for the design
• Cut lead and fit the glass
• Solder the lead joins and fix hanging loops (the loops will be soldered on by the tutor)
• Use leaded-light cement to strengthen the piece and make it watertight
• Clean off the excess cement and polish

Participants will use professional tools and equipment to make their stained glass piece including use of electric grinders and soldering irons. At times it will be necessary to share some tools and equipment.
Ages 13+ welcome (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult, adult does not need to book a ticket if not participating in the making)
Cathy will be supported by an assistant, and we are limiting capacity of each workshop to 6 people to ensure all participants receive help and support to complete their piece by the end of the day.

At the end of the session you'll be able to take your glass art home with you, or enter it as part of Gloucester Cathedrals summer exhibition - 'Crafts that Built the Cathedral'. From 10th July - 26th September Gloucester Cathedral will be showcasing heritage skills and art work produced by the community. By taking part in this workshop, you can choose to have your work featured in the exhibition, it will be returned to you, by post on the close of the exhibition in September.

Health and safety considerations :
Workshops are suitable for complete beginners over the age of 18. Please do not bring any under 18s to the workshop. Participants will be shown how to handle glass carefully and will be provided with disposable gloves though wearing them would be a personal choice.
FFP3 disposable face masks will be available and their use encouraged. Lead is a toxic substance and participants will be asked not to eat while handling the lead or put their hands in their mouths.
Protective masks and eyewear should also be worn for other processes, especially where small particles or fumes are in the air eg, while using dry glass powders, enamel paints, grinding, soldering and cementing.
PLEASE NOTE: Pregnant and breastfeeding people should not handle lead.

All participants are asked to wear closed shoes and not sandals. It is also preferable to wear long trousers and leave dangly earrings at home as these can get tangled up with masks. Glass working can be a messy process so please wear appropriate clothing or bring an apron with you.

This workshop takes place in our Learning & Participation Hub, the classroom space is up two flights of stairs. Unfortunately, due to the historic nature of the building we are unable to provide level access to the workshop space.

Cathy Steed is a member of Gloucester Contemporary Artists. GLA was founded to build a reputation for excellence in contemporary art in the city. Find out more about our group.

Please note:
We are sorry that due to limited space, parking in the Cathedral Close is restricted to pass holders only.
There are eight disabled parking spaces which are for use by Blue Badge holders on a first come first served basis.
However, there are several public car parks within easy walking distance of the Cathedral.
To find out more please download our parking guide or click here for up-to-date information.

The workshop will take place in the Learning and participation Hub, opposite The Bishop Hooper Memorial, in St Marys Gatehouse:
St Marys Gate St Marys Street, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2QR
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