A Tribute in Glass Honouring:My Dad’s Legacy

My dad was an amazing man. Growing up as one of four daughters, I watched him navigate life in an all-female household with grace and humour. He had an incredible career as a professional French horn player, first with the Sadler’s Wells Ballet Company and later as the principal horn for the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Some of my favourite childhood memories are of going to the ballet, rushing to the front of the theatre, and eagerly peering over the edge of the orchestra pit just to catch a glimpse of him. Seeing him there, waving back, was always amazing.

One of my favourite photos of my dad holds a special place in my heart—not just for what it captures but for what it became. With expert guidance from Jim at HALT Glass, I transformed this cherished image into a piece of stained-glass art. The process was intricate and deeply rewarding.

First, we manipulated the photo in Photoshop before exposing it onto a photosensitive resist. This resist was then transferred onto flashed glass—an extraordinary type of glass that carries two layers of colour. In this case, a thin sheet of red rested atop a green base. Through sandblasting, I carefully removed the red layer to reveal the image beneath. The piece was then fire-polished and mounted in a lightbox, bringing my dad’s portrait to life in a glowing tribute.

Now, in my new home, his presence is once again part of my daily life. Seeing this piece reminds me not only of his love and talent but also of the joy he brought into our family. It’s a fitting tribute to a man who gave us so much—and a reminder that art, like memories, has the power to keep our loved ones close.