Profile

Karen's business, designing and making stained glass, began twelve years ago when she undertook a course to learn how to repair the stained glass in oher "new" Edwardian home. Soon she was making windows for friends and neighbours.

So it was almost by accident that she found that she had a thriving business on her hands.

Private commissions led to public ones and she won the Hertfordshire Art in the Workplace award in 2001 for a large millennium window Ishemade for a local school, which she made on site as the artist-in-residence.

In Karen's work she employs both traditional leading and glass painting and firing techniques, using her kiln.

Karen also practises the copper-foiling methods devised by Tiffany for his windows.

A substantial part of her work involves repairing damaged original stained glass. She works with building developers, ensuring that new, beautiful leaded light windows are installed into traditional buildings - enhancing the appearance of the local area.

Karen also leads teaching sessions, either in groups or individually. 

In 2003, she started making a range of glass decorative items: for example mirrors, hearts, angels and tealight holders as well as Christmas items such as stars, trees and robins.

This side of her business has become an increasingly large part of her work, with interest coming from many sources. She exhibits at shows and fairs. And now sells directly to high class galleries and gift shops and an on-line gift catalogue.

Karen tries to use very beautiful glass in her products, sometimes even incorporating antique glass.

Karen Davies  -  b Gallery