10 Famous Stained & Colored Glass Artists from Past to Present
- kodchaponhk
- Jun 4
- 4 min read
Stained glass is an art form with a long history and unique beauty. The use of light and color passing through glass creates vibrant works of art, from medieval churches to contemporary art pieces. Here are 10 of the most outstanding stained glass artists from the past to the present, arranged by birth year.
1. Edward Burne-Jones (1833-1898)
Edward Burne-Jones was an English painter and designer who was a member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. He designed numerous stained glass windows in collaboration with William Morris, produced by Morris & Co. Their work greatly influenced the revival of stained glass art in the late 19th century. Burne-Jones' designs are characterized by slender, elegant figures and faces that express mysterious emotions.
Image sources: Victoria and Albert Museum and Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford
2. John La Farge (1835-1910)
John La Farge was an American artist who invented the opalescent glass technique in 1879, revolutionizing the stained glass industry. He was a significant rival of Tiffany and is recognized as one of the important pioneers in American stained glass art. His work can be found in churches and important buildings across the United States, particularly at Trinity Church in Boston.
Image sources: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and Trinity Church
3. Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933)
Louis Comfort Tiffany was an American designer who revolutionized the stained glass art industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He invented the "Favrile glass" technique, which featured a variety of colors fused within the glass instead of painting colors onto the glass. His work is distinguished by natural color tones, floral patterns, and the use of glass with varying textures and thicknesses. Tiffany lamps are known worldwide and command high prices in the art market.
Image sources: The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has the most complete collection of Tiffany's work
4. Harry Clarke (1889-1931)
Harry Clarke was an Irish artist famous in the early 20th century. His work is unique with exquisite details, luxurious deep colors, and an Art Nouveau-influenced style. He created stained glass windows for many churches in Ireland and the United Kingdom. His work often featured themes related to literature and folklore.
Image sources: National Museum of Ireland and Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin
5. Marc Chagall (1887-1985)
Though best known as a painter, Marc Chagall created many impressive stained glass works. His most notable pieces include the stained glass windows at Fraumünster Church in Zurich, Switzerland, and the UN Building in New York. His working style combined abstract elements with biblical narratives, using vibrant colors that seem to float in the air.
Image sources: Musée National d'Art Moderne in France and Fraumünster Church in Zurich
6. Geoffrey Clarke RA (1924-2014)
Geoffrey Clarke was an English artist honored as a member of the Royal Academy of Arts (RA) who made significant contributions to the revival of stained glass work after World War II. He is known for creating stained glass windows at Coventry Cathedral, which were an important part of the restoration after wartime destruction. His work is characterized by abstract and symbolic elements representing the modern era. Besides stained glass, he was also renowned for his metal sculptures and pioneered aluminum casting techniques for art.
Image sources: Coventry Cathedral and Tate Britain in London
7. Charles Marq (1923-2006)
Charles Marq was a French stained glass artist who collaborated with famous painter Marc Chagall on multiple stained glass window projects. He developed glass cutting and carving techniques that allowed for the creation of more complex works. His work and that of his wife, Brigitte Simon-Marq, brought significant changes to stained glass working methods in the post-World War II era.
Image sources: Reims Cathedral and Centre International du Vitrail in Chartres, France
8. Brian Clarke (born 1953)
Brian Clarke is an English artist considered one of the current leaders in stained glass art. He works on large-scale architectural projects worldwide, both public and private buildings. His work is typically abstract, emphasizing the use of light and vibrant colors. He has collaborated with famous architects such as Zaha Hadid and Norman Foster.
Image sources: Brian Clarke's official website and Pace Gallery in London and New York
9. Judith Schaechter (born 1961)
Judith Schaechter is a contemporary American stained glass artist who combines traditional techniques with contemporary perspectives. Her work often involves themes of human suffering, beauty, and death. By combining stained glass, carving, and texturing, she creates complex and emotionally charged images that draw viewers into a fascinating and sometimes disturbing world.
Image sources: Philadelphia Contemporary Art Museum and Claire Oliver Gallery in New York
10. Narcissus Quagliata (born 1942)
An Italian-American stained glass artist known for using vibrant colors and lively forms. One of his most famous works is the "Dome of Light" stained glass dome at the Formosa Boulevard subway station in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, which is the largest stained glass dome in the world. He pioneered glass fusing techniques and new ways of using light.
Image sources: Formosa Boulevard subway station in Kaohsiung, Taiwan and Museo Franz Mayer in Mexico City
Stained glass is an art form that has continuously evolved from the Middle Ages to the present, from churches and cathedrals to public buildings and homes. These artists not only preserved ancient techniques but also developed new ones and presented different perspectives through light and color passing through glass. They demonstrate the adaptability of this artistic medium and the timeless beauty it provides to viewers.
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