TARDEBIGGE stained glass artist Pat Whelan has celebrated her first year of trading at Tardebigge Court Glass Studio with the installation of a major piece of work.

A local couple commissioned Pat to create a unique room divider (pictured above) measuring 50 square feet.

The 'Tiffany-esque' design features rolling hills and sea horizon rising to an evening sunset. The standard glass most readily available did not have the right quality for this artwork so Pat used hand-blown glass created by English Antique Glass, based in Alvechurch.

The piece was constructed in nine separate sections with a 'ribboning' technique made famous by Louis Comfort Tiffany in the extraordinary remembrance windows which he produced for wealthy American families around the turn of the 20th century.

Since starting her business Pat has completed a wide variety of commissions ranging from specialised sporting, traditional and narrowboat lamps to intricate stained glass windows and bespoke gifts featuring horses, dogs and even some Isle of Man legs.

In 2005, Pat launched workshops in basic stained glass techniques. For details, call 540111 or visit her her website www.patwhelanglassartist.co.uk