BORROWED LIGHTS
Commissioned for a residence in Crowthorne, this piece found its place in a 1920s house characterized by a lengthy, dim corridor connecting the bedrooms on the first floor. The original design of the house cleverly incorporated "borrowed" lights above each bedroom door, strategically allowing natural light to cascade into the corridor. I find transforming these borrowed lights particularly intriguing, given their purpose of channeling natural light into specific spaces.
Responding to the client's directive, the task was to infuse the stained glass with the essence of the peacocks featured in the room's wallpaper. The chosen location for this bespoke piece was above the young girl's bedroom, and the colour scheme was to revolve around a delightful palette of pinks, blues, and purples. This colour combination holds a special place in my artistic affection, and the peacock painted in the glass wears an expression that beautifully oscillates between surprise and regality.
When installed, the piece not only complements the room's aesthetic but also transforms the corridor with a flood of enchanting light. The interplay of colours, inspired by the peacocks in the wallpaper, adds a touch of whimsy and charm to the space, creating an atmosphere that is both surprising and regal, much like the peacock itself.
Additionally, I undertook the redesign of another window within the same house, this time focusing on the borrowed light situated above the brother's window. Given his preference against pink tones, I opted for a simpler approach. I painted his initial above the door and curated a colour palette more fitting for a boy. The design incorporated a brick pattern mirroring the wallpaper in the room, ensuring continuity with the overall aesthetic.
This thoughtful adaptation not only honoured the brother's preferences but also transformed the borrowed light into a tasteful and boy-appropriate feature. The strategic use of colours and patterns allowed the natural light to flow through the window, casting captivating lights and shadows that enlivened the once dim corridor.
