A CREATIVE couple have just put the finishing touches to a stunning stained glass commission for the new Liverpool Hope University campus.

Stonegate Glass Studio and Gallery owners Gary and Annette McMillan spent more than a year putting the piece together.

Measuring three metres by four, the work features a mix of traditional stained glass and contemporary kiln formed glass to portray the McMillan’s modern interpretation of the university’s crest.

Each of the individual pieces of coloured glass had to be cut by hand before being carefully arranged in the shape of the design, then painstakingly leaded together into 11 large panels.

The panels were then fitted into a custom-made lightweight metal frame to complete the final image.

The prestigious piece took ten hours to install, is seven metres high and forms a striking centrepiece to the new university campus entrance.

Gary and Annette often work closely with an art consultant in Manchester on large fused glass projects making artworks for offices, restaurants and private individuals.

They made the initial introductions to Hope University who then asked them to produce designs.

Explained Gary. “Once they had approved the designs, we were asked to make two sample panels showing areas of the crest to scale illustrating the various techniques that would be used in the final window.”

“We are very pleased with the final result. We feel it is a successful combination of contemporary glass and a traditional crest which works well with the modern design of the new building.

And judging from the feedback the husband and wife team have received everyone seems extremely happy with the result, especially at night when the piece is illuminated.

The artistic duo met in 1990 at the University of Wolverhampton studying for a degree in glass design.

Gary worked as a glass blower in Ambleside for eight years and Annette was a metal worker doing forging and sculptural work as well as stained glass.

Nine years ago they started their own business designing and making contemporary stained glass windows and fused glass art works for offices, restaurants and public and private collections.

They opened Stonegate in 2007 and two years later opened the gallery adjacent to their workshop, not only as a showcase for their own work, but also as a place to show art and craft from the best of British designers and craftspeople.

Meanwhile, the Low Bentham, Main Street gallery is gearing up for a festive flurry.

Added Gary: “The run up to Christmas is a hectic time time for us.

"As well as our usual commissions we’re busy making making mirrors, bowls, coasters for the gallery and after the success last year of our handmade glass decorations, we have started making them early.”

For further information telephone 015242-62266.