Ashton Hill Award

The 10 week Ashton Hill Awards offer valuable opportunities for those wishing to develop their skills towards a practical career in stained glass. 

Recipients will be placed in high quality working studios where they will undertake mentored work experience on actual projects with the supervision, guidance and tuition of experienced professionals.  The Ashton Hill Awards are offered to those wishing to develop their skills in conservation and/or glass painting.  Applications may be considered from exceptional conservators and painters in other media without prior glass experience who wish to expand their practice to include glass working.  Subsistence financial support is included.

It can be challenging, even difficult, being away from your home, finding yourself less skilled than those around you, needing to do things you have never done before, however the rewards are great. 

Since 1995  the Company has given 36 work placement awards.  At least 28 of the recipients are currently working in glass today.  Click here for a list of past Ashton Hill Award winners.

Alison Gilchrist cleaning a panel at Barley Studio. Photo courtesy of Barley Studio 

“I spent the ten weeks of my Ashton Hill Award placement at Barley Studio near York. Barley Studio is a commercial stained glass studio involved in both conservation and in producing new work.  I was involved in a wide variety of projects and activities during my placement, including cleaning, edge bonding, restoration painting, framing, photography and fitting.  I experienced work both in the studio and on site, and learned a great deal while developing my skills and confidence in stained glass work.” Alison Gilchrist (Ashton Hill Award 2008-9)

The aim of all the Glaziers’ Company’s Awards is to raise standards of work within the craft, particularly in the U.K., by offering additional learning experiences to enhance the skills of a potential worker.  Applications are invited from individuals within  the first five years of their training who are intending to undertake a long term career in stained glass, preferably within the U.K. 

Two Ashton Hill Awards have been given for 2010-11.  Congratulations to Christine Hartnoll and Jayne Ford.

  • Christine Hartnoll is in the middle of her B.A.Hons. degree course at Swansea Metropolitan University.  She will benefit from a 10 week placement at Chapel Studio Stained Glass Ltd. in Hertfordshire.
  • Jayne Ford is an independent artist who recently trained part time at The International Glass Centre, Brierley Hill.  Her 10 week placement will be at  Pugin, Hardman & Powell Ltd, Birmingham.

Downloadable printable application details for the Ashton Hill Awards 2011-12 will appear here in January 2011


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