THE WORK PLACEMENT AWARDS
Two types of unprecedented funded work placement schemes are offered by the Glaziers Charity which are intended to enhance the skills and employability of newly emerging stained glass professionals. One is double the length of the other, in order to provide chances to train which best fit your own situation. Both awards are highly competitive, but give fantastic opportunities to the winners. The process of entering is deliberately simple and straightforward so that the scheme is open to as many people as possible to apply.
The Work Placement Awards Committee is chaired by Past Master Keith Barley MA ACR MBE, who is the Director of Barley Studio in York. He is assisted by the following: Leonie Seliger MA ACR, Director of the Cathedral Studios, Canterbury; Dan Humphries ACR, Director of Dan Humphries Stained Glass, Glastonbury; John Reyntiens, Director of Reyntiens Stained Glass, London; and Jane Campbell, an independent and acclaimed stained glass artist based in Chichester. They are supported by Dr Marie Groll MA PhD FSA, Deputy Director of the York Glaziers Trust.
THE ASHTON HILL AWARD (15 week duration) and LEVER AWARD (30 week duration)
The work placements in noted studio/studios of national or international repute is open to a recent graduate, a promising trainee, or other individual interested in broadening their experience in stained glass, with a view to making a career in this field. It is open to those interested in becoming a stained glass conservator or a professional stained glass artist. Students and practitioners from other conservation/arts disciplines are invited to apply, although preference will be given to those with a demonstrable interest in stained glass. Applications are invited from individuals within five years of completion of their initial training in/introduction to the craft.
ELIGIBILITY:
Candidates must be resident or employed in the United Kingdom in order to be eligible. While good basic manual dexterity and a background knowledge of stained glass is essential, glass conservation or painting experience is not considered as important as an active interest and commitment to the subject, and a willingness to learn, although preference during shortlisting will be given to those with an evidential commitment to the medium. The award winner will be required to present proof of acceptable HSE blood lead levels before entering a studio placement – this is not required at interview/selection stage, however.
THE OFFER
- The Ashton Hill offers 15 weeks of fully funded work experience in a leading national or international stained glass studio. A total sum of £5,775 is given to the successful candidate, or, £385 per week. This is available to assist in meeting the cost of subsistence, travel, and rent during the 15 week placement.
- The Lever Award offers 30 weeks of fully funded work experience in a leading national or international stained glass studio. A total sum of £11,550 is given to the successful candidate, or, £385 per week. This is available to assist in meeting the cost of subsistence, travel, and rent during the 30 week placement.
- Normally the subsistence payments are made by the clerk’s office in two tranches, one at the start of the placement and one half way through the award.
- Access to an individually tailored training fund of £750 (Ashton Hill) or £1,000 (Lever Award), which is to be used to cover the direct costs of training courses or obtaining tools. Examples may include conferences, specialist memberships, obtaining qualifications, enrolling on short courses. This fund is designed to give the candidate access to resources that enhance their skills and CV. A ‘Training Menu’ will be provided to the successful candidate in order to spark their ideas.
- On completion of the award, the candidate will be offered the chance to be a member of the livery company, and will be invited to be a Freeman. This is designed to forge a long-lasting link between the award holder and the Worshipful Company of Glaziers and allow the successful candidate to build their network. The clerk will support any intending applicant through the process of admission. Note, there are yearly fees due for those admitted to the company as an artist freeman.
- The Lever Award winner is offered a funded place to attend the British Society of Master Glass Painter’s annual touring conference (worth several hundreds of pounds).
- Only on completion of the full award can the candidate claim to have attained an Ashton Hill Award. During the award, the successful candidate will be referred to as a Livery Trainee. At the end of the award, the award winner will be expected to provide an illustrated portfolio and fully up-to-date CV for circulation within the Glaziers Company, and for his/her own records. This is an invaluable opportunity also to advertise your credentials to specialists in the industry. This portfolio should be image-rich, and outline what you have achieved as a result of participating in this training award. Portfolios are useful tools for obtaining work in the industry, and the candidate can obtain free feedback and editorial advice on their portfolio in order to enhance their prospects of employment.
HOW TO ENTER
When applying for either award, candidates must submit a CV, together with an abridged portfolio (no more than ten images with accompanying text). Information must also be provided on the questionnaire (see below). These documents must be accompanied by a confidential report on the quality of the candidate’s work and potential from his/her course tutor (a reference) or an established stained glass artist or conservator who knows the applicant. If you do not know of any suitable person, please email the awards coordinator to discuss. The confidential report should be emailed directly to the awards coordinator, and should not be seen or sent by the applicant. Candidates will then be shortlisted and those who progress to round two will be invited to attend a zoom interview in May 2025.
Entries should be sent by email to The Awards Coordinator, Dr Marie Groll awards@worshipfulglaziers.co.uk. Postal applications will not be accepted. Completed applications should not be received later than noon on Sunday 23 March 2025.
Please click here to download the application form for the Ashton Hill Award.
Please click here to download the application form for the Lever Award.