Worshipful Company of Glaziers and Painters of Glass
The Worshipful Company of Glaziers and Painters of Glass is a distinguished livery company of the City of London. While its origins date back to the fourteenth century as a guild for glass makers, the organization evolved significantly over the centuries. After receiving a royal charter of incorporation in 1638, it transitioned from a trade association for craftsmen into its current role as a dedicated charitable body.
Today, the company maintains a prestigious presence in London. Although the original Glaziers Hall was destroyed during the Great Fire of London in 1666, the company acquired and refurbished its current Hall in 1977. Located on Montague Close in the London Borough of Southwark, the Hall sits on the south side of London Bridge, offering views of the River Thames and the City of London.
Key Facts
- Order of Precedence: Ranks fifty-third among the City of London livery companies.
- Motto: Lucem Tuam Da Nobis O Deus (Latin for "O God, Give Us Your Light").
- Legal Status: Operates as a charitable body via the Glaziers' Foundation (Registered Charity No 1143700).
- Primary Focus: The conservation, restoration, and education of stained glass art.
The Glaziers' Foundation and its Committees
The charitable mission of the company is managed through the Glaziers' Foundation. This foundation oversees four specialized committees that were previously independent charities: the Glaziers' Trust, the London Stained Glass Repository, the Charity for Relief in Need, and the Cutter Trust.
The Glaziers' Trust
As the foundation's largest budget holder, the Glaziers' Trust focuses on three primary goals: restoring historic stained glass, supporting the education of glass artists and conservators, and increasing public awareness of the craft. To ensure professional quality, the Trust requires that all grant-funded remedial work be performed by an accredited glazier or glass conservator.
While the Trust typically provides partial funding rather than covering entire project costs, its endorsement is highly valued. Because of the board's deep expertise, a grant from the Trust often helps applicants secure additional funding from other organizations. Furthermore, the Trust provides annual grants to the Stained Glass Museum in Ely, Cambridgeshire, and the British Society of Master Glass Painters, and supports Vidimus, the only online journal dedicated to stained glass.
Education and Professional Development
The foundation actively fosters new talent through the Craft and Competitions Committee. A centerpiece of this effort is the Stevens Competition, a nationwide architectural glass design contest for young artists judged by prominent craftsmen. This competition often serves as a career springboard, with sponsors frequently commissioning work from the entrants.
Practical career support is provided through several awards:
- Award for Excellence: Provides 40 weeks of mentored studio placements.
- Ashton Hill Awards: Provides 10 weeks of supervised work experience.
- Arthur and Helen Davis Travelling Scholarships: Funds the study of glass outside the UK, with recent recipients studying in France, Germany, the Czech Republic, Iceland, and the United States.
- Continuing Professional Development Awards: Assists practitioners in expanding their artistic skills or achieving accredited conservator status.
The London Stained Glass Repository (LSGR)
The London Stained Glass Repository (LSGR) serves as a rescue operation for high-quality stained glass, primarily from redundant churches or sites threatened by vandalism. The LSGR identifies vulnerable glass, assesses its artistic merit and condition, and negotiates its release for storage.
Once the glass is photographed and catalogued, the LSGR seeks new homes for the pieces—mostly in religious buildings—where they are provided free of charge provided the public has access. The LSGR's reach is international, having relocated glass to Croatia, Australia, the United States, and the Falkland Islands, while also lending pieces to museums and educational projects.
Summary of Glaziers' Company Activities
| Entity/Program | Primary Purpose | Key Output/Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Glaziers' Trust | Conservation & Education | Restoration grants and professional training |
| London Stained Glass Repository | Rescue & Relocation | Saving glass from redundant churches for public use |
| Stevens Competition | Talent Identification | National design contest for young artists |
| Travelling Scholarships | International Study | Global research in glass artistry |
| Placement Awards | Practical Experience | Studio mentorship (10 to 40 weeks) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of the Worshipful Company of Glaziers today?
While it began as a trade guild for glass makers, it now operates as a charitable body focused on the conservation, restoration, and promotion of stained glass art.
How does the Glaziers' Trust ensure the quality of restoration work?
The Trust mandates that any remedial work funded by its grants must be carried out by an accredited glass conservator or glazier to maintain the highest professional standards.
What is the London Stained Glass Repository?
The LSGR is a service that rescues high-quality stained glass from redundant churches or threatened sites and relocates it to suitable buildings where the public can still view it.
Are there opportunities for young glass artists to start their careers?
Yes, through the Stevens Competition for architectural design, as well as the Award for Excellence and Ashton Hill Awards, which provide mentored studio placements.
Does the company support glass study outside of the United Kingdom?
Yes, the Arthur and Helen Davis Travelling Scholarships enable artists to study glass in various countries, including the United States, France, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Iceland.