Reviews

Below are reviews from students who have attended a weekly course or one-day workshop at the studio.

This was an excellent course and Martin is a fantastic tutor, guiding you with his expert knowledge. You quickly start to see results and at the end of the day you have a quality made project to take home. A great experience.

Nigel Marsh — Introduction to traditional stained glass one-day workshop

Very clear, concise instruction with plenty of positive encouragement throughout. Wonderfully clean and organised workspace with loads of room and all tools easily to hand — no sharing necessary so no hanging about waiting for equipment!

Sue Bullock — Introduction to traditional stained glass one-day workshop

I thoroughly enjoyed the day from start to finish. Martin is an excellent tutor, patient, knowledgeable and didn’t talk for too long so we could get started almost immediately. I liked the fact that despite there being more experienced people in the class, Martin began at the very beginning. I shall carry away the lovely phrase “don’t ask too much of the glass” and will remember that for future forays into stained glass!

Margaret Davies — Christmas decoration Tiffany stained glass one-day workshop

Martin is a very knowledgeable and experienced tutor. His approach is very hands on, with working examples and help throughout the well thought-through course. I took home a piece of stained glass which now hangs in my conservatory. Martin provides one-to-one tuition in a great workshop, kept neat and tidy, as you would expect from a professional tutor.

Mike Croudson — Introduction to traditional stained glass one-day workshop

Martin is a great teacher; he was calm and gave me confidence to tackle each stage of the project. If anything went wrong, he was always reassuring that the problem could be solved. He was also very careful about safety.

Trudi Parsons — Introduction to traditional stained glass one-day workshop

Lovely relaxed workshop but thoroughly taught. Martin is extremely patient, great instruction but always encourages your own creativity. The surroundings at Abbeydale Hamlet are lovely and peaceful and the home made cake is divine!

Mandy Stephens — Introduction to fused glass one-day workshop

A brilliant day, had been looking forward to it for a long time and it was even better than anticipated. I was also amazed at just how much we made within one day. Martin was as supportive and encouraging as ever and as always a great source of knowledge. Thanks very much for a thoroughly absorbing and enjoyable day.

Colin Baldwin — Introduction to fused glass one-day workshop

Constructive, well run, good materials, equipment and excellent guidance. Really nice to have been able to produce a piece in the day’s course learning quite a few different skills on the way. We will definitely be coming to more day courses.

Graham Johnston — Introduction to traditional stained glass one-day workshop

The magical mysteries of stained glass were unfolded by Martin on this workshop. It was both hard work and enjoyable and I look at my light catcher as it reflects in the sun and remember cutting the different pieces of glass, pushing the lead into shape and the tremendous sense of achievement we all had at the end of the session. I can’t believe I made it!

Agnes Benoit-Asselman — Introduction to traditional stained glass one-day workshop

First class facilities, small group of great people eager to learn, excellent tuition by Martin in a relaxed atmosphere. Martin is an excellent teacher giving each student expert guidance and belief in achieving their goal. His instructions are clear and precise — very encouraging and patient. Would highly recommend these classes if you are thinking of having a go.

Christine Burrows — Introduction to traditional stained glass one-day workshop

This is the second one-day workshop of Martin’s that I have taken part in, as I live too far away to join regular classes. Martin’s planning and delivery of these one-day courses remains exemplary. At the end, even if you don’t want to take things any further, you have a really nice piece of glass to take away. I’m looking forward to more workshops for us long-distance enthusiasts!

James Wilkinson — Introduction to Tiffany stained glass one-day workshop

I always enjoy the one-to-one attention which Martin manages to give to all his students. The atmosphere is always convivial and fun. Everyone is encouraged and helped to produce a piece of work which is invariably amazing no matter what level of skill you may or may not have!

Sue Coonan — Stained glass Wednesday evening course

I loved the idea that I could do anything I wanted in stained glass, and Martin would make it work. Very pleased with both my pieces.

Harold Cataquet — Stained glass Friday morning course

Patient tuition which was adapted to meet our needs, warm friendly welcoming environment, expert tuition — overall a relaxed day which initiated us into the mysteries of stained glass and from which we brought home our first completed work with great pride.

Fiona and Alice — Introduction to traditional stained glass one-day workshop

It was a really lovely day and I enjoyed it all! It’s the way you made me believe right from the start that I could achieve a worthwhile result in one day. Instruction was clear, detailed but focused. You give each student individual attention, always positive comments. It was very interesting to see the work of other students — some really beautiful stuff in the making.

Jill Barraclough — Introduction to Tiffany stained glass one-day workshop

I enjoyed everything about the course, even the elements that I found challenging. Martin has so much patience — even when things go wrong there never felt like a problem. The time just flew each evening and it was just so good to see a completed piece of work at the end of the course.

Penny Curtis — Stained glass Monday evening course

I loved it all! I don’t think I’m a natural but Martin was so supportive and really helped me believe in myself. I enjoyed both the Tiffany and traditional lead techniques. The aspect I enjoyed the most was seeing all the pieces come together to make a unique item.

Mandy Riley — Stained glass Thursday morning course

I enjoyed the opportunity to actually finish a piece of work — the very good tuition and having such a small group meant we all got individual attention when needed. We didn’t have to share any tools or equipment, which you often find in one-day workshops, and there was plenty of room and choice.

Jayne Bazely — Introduction to traditional stained glass one-day workshop

I enjoy working in a small group with lots of one-to-one help and encouragement from Martin when needed. It is very relaxed and offers the opportunity to become completely absorbed in the moment doing something so creative and forgetting about all the stresses of life for a few hours. It’s a very supportive environment.

Viv Lowndes Smith — Introduction to traditional stained glass one-day workshop

As a veteran of four courses under Martin’s expert guidance I took this opportunity to revisit techniques learned before. Martin was as helpful and encouraging as ever, striking an excellent balance between allowing the student to explore and develop but always being there to guide, advise and suggest. Monday evenings will not be the same this summer without the relaxation and satisfaction of a stained glass course to attend!

Colin Baldwin — Stained glass Monday evening course