Based in her private home studio in Leicester, Melanie (Mel) Pope is an accomplished stained glass artist with over 30 years of professional experience. Her journey began with a traditional stained glass apprenticeship, during which she won the Kaleidoscope Glass Prize in 1991. Mel has completed an advanced painting course with Graham Dowding, specialised conservation training with Stephen Koob of the Corning Museum of Glass, and an MA in Creative Practice.
Mel’s techniques include: kiln-fired glass painting, silver stain and enamelling, sandblasting, acid etching, plating, bonding, fused glass, lead work and copper foil. Projects range from contemporary architectural commissions and meticulous period reproductions to conservation and restoration. A lifelong learner, she regularly attends master-classes with international glass artists to explore innovative glass processing techniques and push the boundaries of the medium.
Beyond her studio work, Mel tutors for Leicestershire Adult Learning Service (LALS) and hosts private workshops throughout Leicestershire. Her portfolio includes restorative and new work from regional churches, stately and private homes, and prestigious sites such as Worcester Hospital, Shakespeare’s Birthplace, the Houses of Parliament, and Leicester Cathedral, as well as projects in the USA, Japan, and Europe.
