Stained Glass Artists and Conservators

Moira began her studies at Edinburgh College of Art where she concentrated on fine art drawing and painting. This led to an apprenticeship with an accomplished stained-glass firm which gave her a solid knowledge and the necessary experience in all aspects of the craft. She is committed to both conservation and contemporary design. Moira has built up her knowledge and deontology to preserve Scottish works of art for future generations to come.

Moira is listed as an Accredited Artist for the Church of Scotland, Chair of the Icon stained glass Group and Trustee of Scottish Stained Glass Symposium.

I adore the process of conserving historic stained glass and studying the amazing skill of our Scottish artists such as Stephen Adams and Alf Webster. I can learn so much from their artistry in paint and colour. These artists inspire my creativity and are key to making my own contemporary style in new commissions.

Stephen lifelong ambition has always been to work in the art of stained glass. He began an apprenticeship in traditional glazing and decorative embossed “acid etched” glass before moving onto stained glass. In Scotland at this time, these skills were difficult to acquire but Stephen was lucky that George Young who had a lifelong experience as a glass painter for City Glass and Abbey Studios came out of retirement to work closely with Stephen and pass on his skills. Stephen spent five years working with George and learning all levels of glass painting on many prestigious projects. This experience has been invaluable to the development of Rainbow Glass Studio Ltd.

Stephen has completed the Chemistry for Conservators qualification and is also accomplished in metal work and manufacture of traditional openers and frames.

Every project has its own individual challenge. To overcome them is rewarding and pushes you to always expand your skills.

Zoe has worked in the conservation of modern and medieval stained glass since completing the MA in Stained Glass Conservation at the University of York in 2015. She has worked in a number of stained glass studios, including her own, and joined Rainbow Glass Studios in 2023 as a Conservation Manager. She is now co-director of Rainbow Glass (East), based in Edinburgh, and is on the Pathway to Accreditation with ICON.

As an advocate for knowledge-sharing and collaboration, I actively engage with fellow professionals, enthusiasts, and researchers in the stained glass community. Through lectures, publications, and collaborative projects, I strive to foster a deeper appreciation for these unique elements of stained glass artistry.

Craig began his training in Rainbow glass studio in 2002.

As Stephen’s brother, Craig is a family member of the team and has been with the company since the early days. He has developed his skills to become one of our best lead glaziers. Craig enjoys the hands-on skills required to lead up and solder even the most intricate lead matrix.

I enjoy the challenge which comes with benchwork and knowing that I am part of a team which is bringing these historical windows back to their original glory. My work gives me great pride.

Head of Conservation management

Mylène began her studies in Art history in France and Norway before moving to Belgium where she completed a Bachelor degree in Glass and Ceramics conservation. After visiting the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Mylène was struck by the use of colour, light and atmosphere within the building. She then had the chance to visit a working stained glass studio and was inspired to move from 3 dimensional objects to architectural stained glass. She completed an MA in Stained Glass conservation and Heritage Management in York University and enjoyed time in New York at the Metropolitan museum. This led to employment in York Glaziers Trust where she had the privilege to be part of the team to conserve the Great East Window in York minster. In 2016, we welcomed Mylene to the Rainbow Glass team as she brings her knowledge of European conservation techniques to our wee Scottish Studio. Since moving up to Scotland Mylene has discovered the joy of working on 19th and 20th century stained glass.

Mylene has the “Habilitation Musées de France” which is the French Accreditation qualification to allow her to work on hight level historic stained glass.

I enjoy the history behind each window or project. To get to know the artist, his / her style and source of inspiration. To research the techniques and developing a sensitive conservation strategy that will ensure the history, integrity and future preservation of each artwork.

With over 25 years experience in stained glass and conservation, Nick has worked on projects of all periods from early medieval to new commissions throughout the UK. Nick's particular specialisms are in project planning and methodologies, the development and design of environmental protective glazing systems and high resolution photographic recording for documentation and publication. Nick is an Icon accredited conservator restorer, equally at home on the workbench or a scaffold and passionate about mentoring and training.

Historic stained glass not only functions as a glorious artistic medium, but most frequently also as a weathershield. It is our duty as conservators to protect and preserve it for future generations in the most appropriate way possible.

In 2011, Mr. Chris Chesney ACR joined The Rainbow Glass team of directors as an ICON Accredited conservator. He oversees all conservation projects. He has a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of historic stained glass and has worked in glazing and construction industries for over 50 years. Chris has held PACR conservation accreditation since its inception, and regularly shares his expertise at national and international conservation symposiums.

Chris is now an assessor for the PACR, City and Guilds alongside the V & A.

I joined board of Rainbow Glass after a successful collaboration at Marischal College. Since then, I bring many years of conservation expertise and experience of complex projects to Rainbow Glass Studio.

Stained glass career began 1981 before joining the Rainbow glass team in

Stuarts extensive experience in stained glass makes him an invaluable member of the team. He enjoys the creativity in glass cutting for new contemporary commissions and his attention to detail makes him excel at building drawings.

The variety within each project keeps the job interesting and continually allows me to develop my skills

Jack holds an MA in Painting from the Royal College of Art and now works almost exclusively with stained glass — not as decoration, but as a material for transforming space, light, and architecture.   Brindley’s stained glass work explores how we can be sensitive to the quality of light present and available in a space, and how we might enhance it with glass; blending traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to meet current building standards and glazing systems. Based in Edinburgh, Jack works at Rainbow Glass East.

Coming to Stained Glass as an artist, it has been an honour to develop my skills and learn new techniques though working for Rainbow Glass.

Ted began his apprenticeship in 2021 after providing a brilliant portfolio of still life’s and model making. He has excellent school qualifications including 5 grade A Highers and A+ in Advanced Higher Art.

Ted has since completed Level 2 Modern Apprenticeship in Glass Processing at SCQF Level 5 and continues to develop his skills in stained glass conservation in house.

Ted came with a wealth of transferable skills and he has quickly become a proficient stained glass conservator/ painter and glazier. Ted is excellent at problem solving and his enjoyment of precision and intricacy make him an asset to the team.

"I enjoy the intricacy and precision this job brings. It's a fantastic opportunity to become a part of history. Every project presents its own unique challenge and I enjoy the problem solving that it brings."

Stained glass career began 1995 and he has worked with Rainbow Glass Studio since

Whatever the weather, Nicol would rather be working on-site. He has a very accurate eye for detail and enjoys the precision required to make the panels fit to the contours of the stonework, mixing the mortar and applying a neat and secure finish.

I believe that every aspect of the work is important from removal, applied conservation and repair to a secure installation. If I hold myself to a high standard in each of these areas, I am helping to retain these windows for future generations.

Babs joined the team in November 2024 and has since become an integral part of the team. Barbara’s passions are crafting, upcycling, and DIY with all kinds of materials which led her to take a career diversion into stained glass. Her journey began a few years ago during the restoration of Manchester Town Hall, where she had the privilege of working alongside skilled and dedicated artisans on this mammoth project. Her love of all things Scottish led her to Rainbow Glass Studios, joining the team in November 2024. Babs has since become a positive and integral part of our team.

It’s a real joy and privilege to conserve and restore leaded lights and stained glass. In every piece, history and future meet—giving the next generation a chance to experience the lasting beauty of glass.

Aaron first started his stained-glass journey when he came to us in his last year of secondary school for work experience. Since then he has gained lots of valuable experience as a part time worker and eventually full time. When the opportunity arose for a stained-glass craft fellow Aaron was the obvious choice. He has been working with Historic Environment Scotland to further his stained glass skills and experience, as well as learning about other historic restoration trades, networking and working with people trying to conserve our history.

I feel incredibly lucky that I get to work with such a historically rich material as stained glass and learn from my colleagues and will always be grateful for the opportunities and experiences that I have had the privilege to gain from this job

Orla has always been interested in the intersection between history and art, beginning her studies in Dublin with a course in Ancient History and Archaeology and English Literature. After graduating, she progressed to a Masters in Stained Glass Conservation and Heritage Management in York, focusing on Irish stained glass, acid etching, and public reception. She has been working with Rainbow Glass Studios since January 2025 and has excelled in all aspects of the work - from painting to cleaning, building up panels to hoovering the air filters. Since arriving she has immersed herself in Scottish art and design and brought attention to the studio through her social media posts.

I count myself unbelievably privileged to be able to do the work that I do, and in the place that I do it. The standard that the team at Rainbow hold themselves to is immense and I am learning so much every day. The variety of work that comes through our doors is amazing, no two days are ever the same. Each window tells a story - the colourful beauty of the glass, the artistry of the lead work and the history of each panel combine to make every conservation project exciting, fulfilling, and worthwhile. 

David came to the trade later in life after working for 40 years in retail.
He had a wealth of transferable craft skills and is adaptable to any almost any need the business requires.
As Moira's brother he is enjoying assisting the business in any way he can and is happier than ever working and being closer to family.

I loved working on the project in my home town of Prestwick. I admire it often in passing and think "I did that, it's never too late to learn".
Stephen and Moira's work has always been greatly admired by all the family.
It is a pleasure and a pride being a part of it and adapting to the needs of the business to be part of the creative, restorative and often stunning work they do.

Jude is a first year Historic Environment Scotland fellow. He has studied fine art and specialised in painting before beginning to train in stained glass. After releasing that stained glass is a career path that imbued his passion for history, craft and artistry with unlimited scope for variety, he sought out stained glass artists throughout north west England. From these kind and knowledgeable people Jude gained a groundwork of skills to begin a career in stained glass where he is committed to the preservation of existing artwork and learning to push the art further. 

Being able to work with and learn from such a skilled team is a huge privilege and being able to contribute to the past, present and future of the art is beyond a privilege.