The process of commissioning Lightworks to design and produce a new stained glass window might at first appear to be a daunting one. However, we strive to make it as easy (and hopefully enjoyable) as possible for prospective clients. In this post, we look at the initial design stage of a commission.

Having received an enquiry, we set out to gain as much information as possible from the client. This would include practical details such as the shape, dimensions and quantities as well as the location of the aperture/s within the building and its geographical location. We’ll then look at conceptual details such as a theme, story or style, specific design details such as personalisation, motifs, text and any specific colour requirements. We will also consider obscuration levels for privacy reasons and how an outlook and light sources beyond an aperture might affect the finished commission once installed.

For prospective clients contacting us in regards to new commissions for churches, careful consideration must also be given to existing stained glass within the church and how a new window would compliment these.

Once we’ve had an opportunity to fully consider this information (or as much of it the client is able to provide) we’ll use it to produce what we refer to as a “draft sketch design”; a very quickly drawn, quite often un-coloured, rough sketch proposal. This sketch is submitted to the client for their consideration and feedback. If they’re happy we’ll take the sketch to the next stage of design development where further detail, colour and structural requirements are considered and presented. If not, following further consultation, it’s back to the drawing board to produce alternative sketches.

The images shown here are of an initial draft sketch proposal for a potential new War Memorial window commission for a church in North Yorkshire. It includes visual elements suggested by the client including poppies, angels, snowdrops, a rainbow, a dove and olive branch and a phrase from Binyon’s “For The Fallen”. 

In this particular example, as the potential client has yet to choose the studio with whom they wish to work, though still quickly produced our sketch contains a little more information than might otherwise normally be included at this stage. It’s a metaphorical lure on a fly fisherman’s line.

We are currently awaiting a decision with fingers crossed.