Contemporary glass books for Christmas

If you – or someone you know – loves contemporary glass, why now buy a book on glass for a Christmas present, or add one to your own present list?

These three very different books on glass are available now to add to someone’s stocking.

‘Stained Glass – A maker’s guide to creating, installing and repairing leaded glass’

There have been many books written about the craft of stained glass but this one is a comprehensive and up-to-date volume perfect for anyone wanting to try it as a hobby, or more professionally.

The author is Sophie D’Souza, who completed a postgraduate certificate in Architectural Glass at Central St Martin’s in London. She was also a Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) scholar and continues to be closely involved with the organisation’s prestigious exhibitions.

Sophie guides the reader through all stages of the process of creating a leaded window using traditional techniques. She covers everything from the tools needed to design tips and construction. There are sections on restoration and repair work, which are often the bread-and-butter jobs of a stained glass artist.

As well as detailed advice on traditional stained glass methods, the book includes more up-to-date guidance on such things as how to construct a light box to show off a panel indoors.

Sophie readily admits that her way is not the only way to approach the subject, but there are many tips that will be of use to even seasoned stained glass producers.

‘Stained Glass – A maker’s guide to creating, installing and repairing leaded glass’ is 192 pages and liberally illustrated throughout with how-to imagery. The hardback book is published by The Crowood Press and costs £35. It is available from online retailers and local bookshops. ISBN: 9780719841378.

Just Glass Brought to Light

The Just Glass collective has published a limited edition book featuring glass work by 44 of its members. Just Glass is comprised of glass artists and educators who started their glass journey via Adult Education classes and this volume celebrates the success of this route.

‘Just Glass Brought to Light’ is a 160-page volume containing 125 images of work, accompanied by text describing the routes in glass of the featured artists. It is edited by Jane Vincent, Cathryn Shilling, Julie Light and Deborah Timperley and has a foreword and afterword by honorary members Angela Thwaites and Matt Durran, respectively.

The Just Glass team worked with book designer Dennis Jarrett and photographer Agata Pec to bring their vision to life. They also had the support of the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London Charity Fund and their Glass in Society initiative in the production of the book.

The book is only available directly from Just Glass and costs £35 plus P&P (to be paid by bank transfer). Contact justglasssociety@gmail.com or complete the form on the Just Glass website www.just-glass.co.uk for details.

The Glasshouse Book of Angels

The publisher of Glasshouse – the International Magazine of Studio Glass, Dr Wolfgang Schmölders is now offering the free online ‘Glasshouse Book of Angels’ as a printed edition.

The book features a diverse range of images of both 2D and 3D glass angels created by international glass artists.

The publication extends to 60 pages and is presented in both German and English, with further entries to be added in the coming year.

In addition, Dr Schmölders welcomes submissions of further entries of photos of glass angels.

You can find the current digital edition here.

The print edition costs 10 Euros per copy including postage and if you buy four or more, this reduces to 9 Euros each. Order by sending an email to glashaus-verlag@t-online.de

Main image: Detail of stained glass panel from Sophie D’Souza’s book.