About Caldew Glass

Working as an administrator in the glass industry since 1999, Stephen McGinn began cutting glass bottles in 2011 after a customer enquiry sparked an interest in looking at how it could be done.

He soon began undertaking stained glass evening classes to further enhance this hobby and continued for a number of years, improving his stained glass technique and designs, with a particular focus on using discarded glass bottles recovered from the environment and upcycling glass objects . Items made with recovered bottles include candle votives, suncatchers, abstract panels, glass cylinders, storage pots and vases.

Stephen makes stained glass items predominately using the copper foil technique, which allows for both flat and 3D forms to be manufactured. He manufactures a variety of decorative items for the home including suncatchers, clocks, hearth and table decorations to more complex designs such as box lamps and small window panels (which can also be encapsulated into double-glazed units).  Collaborations with local makers are very welcome, particularly with natural Cumbrian materials and second life ideas from upcycled, reclaimed or 'waste' materials. All items are handmade in Cumbria.