Stained glass comes alive when light is added and what could be a better way to show off its beauty than in a rainbow of colours? This rainbow was commissioned for use on the set of a new TV series that is scheduled to be shown in 2021.

The prop manager previously bought several of my small sculptures to dress the set and then requested a rainbow as it has become a potent symbol of hope and support for the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic.

She wanted a pastel palette of stained glass colours with a white star at the bottom. One of the skills I have been perfecting during the lockdown is use of digital technology to create some of my glass patterns. This meant I could make a star pattern on my laptop of the perfect size and shape to go with the rainbow. Once I had drawn it out on the glass I used my ring saw, which made it easy to cut the awkward star shape from one piece, which would have been impossible with hand cutting.

I used the copper foil method to assemble the rainbow, adding thin strips of steel to reinforce the larger pieces. Between each piece of glass I threaded glass beads on the wire core to create spaces and make it feel more like a mobile.

The TV people were delighted with the finished piece and I am looking forward to spotting it and the other stained glass pieces in the new series in due course.

It is always particularly gratifying to have returning customers and I am lucky to have so many clients who think of me when they want something bespoke for their homes, or as gifts.