Dawn & Jan Watson info and page header
Image of students work
Image of students work

“Why did I start the class?  I’ve always wanted to try stained glass work and since I took early retirement the course has given me the opportunity of learning a new skill and combining it with another new hobby woodworking.  Over the years I have renovated a number of properties and always thought “wouldn’t it be nice to have a piece of stained glass in that window” well now I’ve no excuse.”  Tony Bolton (Student)

“Working with stained glass is a fascinating hobby which is thoroughly enjoyable and I cannot wait for term to re-start.  Both Dawn & Jan prove really inspirational and I am always amazed at the superb work produced by their students.”  Barbara Taylor (Student)

 

“The fastest 2 and half hours of the week, supportive teaching, sheer enjoyment and a beautiful end product.” Joan Ferguson (Student)

Image of students work

“I started with a taster session with the ‘Elderberries’ [Community Group] at Alnwick Garden a few years ago, I was amazed at what we'd all produced by the end of first session. People in the class were very friendly and I enjoyed the classes.  I never considered myself artistic but I love the end products and the fact that they are unique. I have made three windows (two for my house and one as a gift) and I even make sun catchers at home for presents!” Chris McElhone (Student)

 

“It’s good to try something different, and it keeps the grey cells working.  If you have ever looked at a stained glass window and said “I wonder how they did that”?  Come to Dawn & Jan’s class and find out that you have skills you never dreamt of.” Joan Ford (Student)

 

Image of students work
Image of students work
Image of students work

“I came on the course as I had seen a TV programme last year on dying crafts, you may have seen it Monty Donn was the presenter, anyway I wanted to have a try at making a stained glass panel and therefore signed up when I saw the course advertised. I thoroughly enjoyed the weekly sessions as it was an opportunity to try something different, to do something creative and totally different from what I do for a living. I like the fact that each piece can be as simple or as complicated as you like.” Alison Bewick (Student)

Image of students work
Image of students work

“What I enjoy about stained glass is the combination of creativity and physicality, with the end result being a bespoke work of art (hopefully!)” Ros Hoskins (Student)

 

“Having just had breast cancer I needed something to get me going again.  Knowing that the saying life is not a rehearsal, is very true, I made a decision to try anything and everything that gave me an opportunity to broaden my life skills,  Dawn and Jan’s class did just that and stretched both my mind and developed skills I never knew I had.  It is the most, friendly and relaxed class you could imagine and there is no pressure you are just encouraged to do what you are comfortable with. As teachers they are absolutely brilliant.  As people they are kind, patient, funny and a joy to be with”.  Joan Ford (Student)

 

“I have been interested in stained glass since my late teens/early twenties but decided to try some classes last year.  I find stained glass work absorbing, challenging, and rewarding and recommend the activity, as the variety of stained glass ensures that there is always a piece to suit an individual's personal taste and style. I am looking forward to the next course but I have yet to decide on my next design.”  Leslie (Student)

 

Image of students work

Image of students work

“I met Dawn & Jan through a stained glass project at Alnwick Gardens several years ago and have been attending their classes ever since. There is a very friendly atmosphere in the classes and as the numbers are quite small, Dawn & Jan are always on hand to advise.  With their tuition & encouragement I have made a selection of stained glass projects way beyond what I thought I was capable of.  I started with small projects such as sun catchers, my last project was a full window panel, if I make anything larger I will need to get a new car to transport it back and forth to the class. I shall be returning in September, I'm planning a mirror next.” Sheila Graham (Student)

"I came to the class because I'm interested in most things to do with art and have a love of stained glass especially Victorian and Art Deco period as well as a great love for Tiffany lamps."  Lily Hart (Student)