ABOUT VERONICA SMITH STAINED GLASS

My stained glass is inspired by wildlife and nature, primarily from my local area in Greater Manchester, and always imbued with gothic themes – I like to add a bit of mystery!

I enjoy walking in the woods at dusk when Roe Deer are out, and I can hear the calls of Blackbirds, Tawny Owls, Rooks and Jackdaws.

My stained glass is all hand painted, usually with several layers of glass paint and also silver stain, and then kiln-fired.

I originally studied Fine Art at Aberystwyth University where I primarily focused on painting, illustration and photography.

My stained glass journey began in 2009, when I began studying its history and development from the Middle Ages to the present day. I then studied stained glass conservation from 2014 and now work as a stained glass conservator during the day! I also study and research the social and cultural history of nineteenth century stained glass.

Along the way I decided to go back to my roots and start being creative with stained glass. It is thrilling to work with such a fascinating medium as stained glass. I use a lot of mouth-blown antique glass which adds depth and atmosphere to my pieces and I let myself be guided by the glass when formulating my work.

Training and Awards

2023-2024:

HRC Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of York
https://www.york.ac.uk/hrc/support-postgraduates/opportunities/fellowships/hrc-postdoc-fellows/

2021-2022:

The Sentinel panel accepted as part of the BSMGP Centenary exhibition

2018–2023:

PhD History of Art

2016:

Ashton Hill Award, Worshipful Company of Glaziers.
Training at Canterbury Cathedral Stained Glass Studios

2014-2016:

MA Stained Glass Conservation and Heritage Management

2008-2011:

MA Art History and Visual Studies

1998-2001:

BA (Hons) Fine Art and History