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picture of stained glass artist

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Location: East Midlands
Settings: Places of worship
Techniques: Painting / staining
Specialisms: New commissions


Michael Stokes is a professional stained glass window designer, maker and conservator working in Nottinghamshire. He graduated from the UCLAN in 1982 with a BA Honours Degree in Fine Art and then studied stained glass at Preston College. The course tutor was Ian McCormack, who trained under Howard Martin of Celtic Studios. Michael went on to establish Harlequin Stained Glass in 1985. In 1998, he changed the name to MDS Stained Glass.

Since 1985, he has focussed his attention on ecclesiastical stained glass and has designed and made over 100 new church windows, including thirteen chancel East windows. Inspired by seascapes and landscapes, these often weave their way into a design. He designs in a variety of ways, including modern abstract, figurative, contemporary, as well as traditional.

In 2008, he exhibited at the British Society of Master Glass Painters 40CM event in London. Michael uses traditional glass painting techniques and achieves his effects with brushes, sticks, sponges and needles. He normally works with quality mouth blown glass. He works closely with clients and Diocesan Architects and continues his passionate involvement with exciting new commissions across the UK.


stained glass window
The Millennium Window 2002
St Owen’s Church, Bromham, Bedfordshire. Traditional glass painting with brushes, sticks, sponges and needles. 3.3m x 2m
St Augustine 2006
St Augustine’s Church, Limbury, Luton. Traditional glass painting with brushes, sticks, sponges and needles. 3.6m x 2.2m
stained glass window
Faith 2015
St John’s Church, Blakebrook, Kidderminster. Traditional glass painting with brushes, sticks, sponges and needles. 2m x 1.9m
stained glass window
Hope 2015
St John’s Church, Blakebrook, Kidderminster. Traditional glass painting with brushes, sticks, sponges and needles. 2m x 1.9m
stained glass window
Charity 2015
St John’s Church, Blakebrook, Kidderminster. Traditional glass painting with brushes, sticks, sponges and needles. 2m x 1.9m
stained glass window
St Andrew 2012
St Andrew’s Church, Kegworth, Leicestershire. Traditional glass painting with brushes, sticks, sponges and needles. 4.3m x 1.8m