Claire’s journey with stained glass began more than 30 years ago, and her passion for the craft has only deepened since. Working with traditional lead, delicate copper foil, and the shimmering possibilities of fused glass, she draws inspiration from the natural world, its colours, shapes and rhythms, as well as her love of sailing, the shoreline, and the ever-changing sea that surrounds her home. It was this blend of creativity and coastal life that inspired the name Spinnaker Glass.
From her cosy studio in Felixstowe, Claire creates an impressive variety of handcrafted pieces, including windows, panels, mirrors, bowls, candle lanterns, lampshades, garden art and intricately fused glass jewellery. In addition to her original artworks, she specialises in repairs and full renovations of stained-glass windows and door panels, restoring cherished pieces to their former beauty. Claire is also passionate about mentoring and teaching students who want to explore the craft for themselves.
“I love mixing techniques, combining copper foil and fused elements with traditional leadwork to produce striking, contemporary panels. Glass is a wonderful medium, full of colour and light, and it allows me to shape designs that reflect the world around us.”
While Claire offers a selection of ready-made pieces through her Spinnaker Glass shop, most of her creations are bespoke commissions. She works closely with clients, providing tailored designs and quotations to bring their ideas to life.
Claire is also a stained-glass tutor at Flatford Mill and an active member of both the Contemporary Glass Society and the UK Glass Art Collective.
