Below are testimonials from students who have attended one of Martin's stained glass / mosaic courses or one day workshops.
“A great day which gave a good insight into stained glass.The course was particularly goood because of the individual attention Martin was able to proivde.Martin was very helpful and it was usefull to have the close interaction with the other course partipants”.
Cheryl Walker (Introduction to traditional stained glass one day workshop) January 2012.
“The course exceeded my expectations. Explanation was clear and each step was carefully monitored by Martin, who is an excellent instructor”.
James Wilkinson (Introduction to traditional stained glass one day workshop) January 2012.
“The course was an excellent introduction to stained glass working. It was extremely practical; in fact within a few minutes of starting we were actively cutting glass and getting on with a real project. Martin's experience and calm manner made everyone feel confident from the off and ensured that we all made very rapid progress. I had always wanted to do a stained glass course and having now done so with Martin my only regret is that I didn't start years ago! Thank you”.
Colin Baldwin (Stained glass Monday evening course) September - November 2011.
“I loved the relaxed friendly atmosphere and being able to go at my own pace. Just the right amount of information to take in for the day”.
Ellie Johnson (Mosaic one day workshop) December 2011.
“The course was of a size where everybody had sufficient one to one tuition within the group. I was encouraged to complete tasks independently with lots of positive reinforcement. The support given was excellent and with that extra help i did manage to get my projects completed”.
Alison Thornton (Stained glass Monday evening course) September - November 2011.
“It was great to be able to get on with my project at my own pace whilst having the reassurance that Martin was available for help and advice when I required it”.
Amy Lewis (Stained glass Wednesday evening course) September - December 2011.
“Really appreciated your flexibility, allowing me to attend other classes when I couldn't make some Tuesday nights due to work commitments. Keep up the good work and hope to enrol again sometime in the future. Many thanks for an enjoyable 12 weeks, all the best”.
David Hutchinson (Stained glass Tuesday evening course) September - December 2011.
“I got so into working that my tea went cold – twice”.
“Thank you for another fantastic day. It was wonderful to be able to work on my own design”.
Emily Humphreys (Bespoke one day stained glass workshop) November 2011.
“The provision of such a delicious and attractively served three course lunch was a real bonus and enabled all course participants a 'get to know you' and the small number of people on the course (4) was good. We are looking forward to attending another day course next year and would definitely sign up for weekly courses if we lived closer to Sheffield”.
Elaine and Julia Catterall (Christmas decoration stained glass workshop) November 2011.
“I enjoyed every bit of the day. The venue/work area was well equipped and tuition excellent. Lunch a big surprise was so good! I thoroughly enjoyed the day & to have made 3 decorations for Christmas was an achievement!”.
Sheila Parsons (Christmas decoration stained glass workshop) November 2011.
“Small group therefor opportunity for individual attention when required.., plenty of equipment, good basic grounding in each technique. ideal workshop everything to hand”.
Tina Ellis (Stained glass Thursday afternoon course) September - November 2011.
"It was paced well and I achieved far more than I originally thought I would, it was really good to do the first piece of work together step by step in a very easily understandable format. There is nothing that I didn't enjoy, it was a well thought out course with good content”.
Julie Thayer (Christmas decoration stained glass workshop) November 2011.
“The course was well organised, with space to complete our own projects with plenty of support when needed and space to get on with it when feeling confident. The instruction was clear and relevant”.
Lena Plaskitt (Stained glass Wednesday afternoon course) September - November 2011.
“It was well organised and everything was explained really well”.
Stuart Wragg (Introduction to traditional stained glass one day workshop) October 2011.
“I loved the fact it was a small group as it can be a bit scary trying something new for the first time. I loved the workshop and can't wait to do the Mosaic workshop in December!”.
Rebecca Copley (Introduction to traditional stained glass one day workshop) October 2011.
“I enjoyed actually achieving an end result and the relaxed/friendly atmosphere where I felt I could ask questions as I went along due to the small number of people attending”.
Susan Martin (Introduction to traditional stained glass one day workshop) October 2011.
“On the course I valued the time you spend with us individually, and that once you had shown us each step allowed us to get on with it and no fussing. And that also allowed each of us to go at our own speed”.
Carys Woodley (Introduction to traditional stained glass one day workshop) October 2011.
“Enjoyed everything - the teaching, learning to use the tools and producing the finished items. Very friendly, very informative”.
Lynn Vincent (Stained glass Thursday morning course) April - July 2011.
“I enjoyed being able to make wall lights that are different and seeing other peoples work which gives you even more ideas. It’s been a fantastic course, thank you Martin for all your hard work”.
Maxine Walton (Stained glass Thursday morning course) April - July 2011.
“I enjoyed the whole experience, so much that I have registered for another course. Sample items which were relatively quickly made in different styles”.
“Excellent tuition and encouragement. No lectures! Just hands on and guidance".
Gloria Marchbank (Stained glass Thursday afternoon course) April - July 2011.
“I love the feeling that at the end of the 12 weeks I have achieved something new. This time I have completed 2 box column lampshades, 3 Christmas tree decorations and a wine glass! Also, it is lovely to meet new and interesting people".
Beverly Inkles (Stained glass Friday afternoon course) April - July 2011.
“It was absolutely brilliant and very enjoyable. I can't wait to do my own at home".
Catherine Hudson (Stained glass Wednesday evening course) April - July 2011.
“Once the basics were taught (enjoyable on their own) it was great to know I could tackle almost anything - the possibilities opened up by learning this new skill really gives me a buzz. Martins organisation and timings were excellent, enabling everyone to go at their own pace yet complete projects in the time allocated".
Ann Clay (Stained glass Monday evening course) May - July 2011.
“I enjoyed the whole experience. The tuition was very good and I felt that I became more proficient and confident in working with both lead and copper foil.
I enjoyed the small teaching group, it allowed for individual attention as well as sharing our experience with others".
Margaret Parker (Stained glass Friday afternoon course) April - July 2011.
“A brilliant day, your patience was appreciated and added to the enjoyment. Coming home with something to display was the icing on the cake, many thanks to your wife for the tasty lunch".
Susan Lloyd (Introduction Tiffany glass one day workshop) July 2011.
“It was very good to have only 4 people at each class, since we could all receive plenty of help and guidance. We were all working on our individual projects at whatever level we were at and we could be inspired by what other people were doing around us too. I liked both the big and the small projects".
Nina Patterson (Stained glass Thursday Morning course) April - July 2011.
“The way I was introduced immediately to the skills involved in stained glass. The sessions were always well paced and I am not sure where 2 hours went!! It seemed to fly past! I am very much a visual 'hands on' learner and this course was exactly for me. I Have absolutely LOVED every minute of it. There is loads to learn and I found a high level of satisfaction. Martin ,you are an excellent teacher and a big thank you. See you in September!!".
Kearn Nicklin (Stained glass Thursday afternoon course) April - July 2011.
“Lovely workshop and a small class meaning lots of individual attention helping you progress quickly. Well planned out and paced course. Martin's very friendly and gives really clear instructions. Couldn't recommend it enough!".
Annabel Byrom (Stained glass Wednesday evening course) April - July 2011.
”The whole day was great fun and really interesting! Martin allowed me to go at my own pace and directed us well throughout the making out our light catchers. I am really proud of mine!”
“Thank you for teaching me a new skill and getting me interested in a new hobby! I will have to find somewhere now in Norfolk ... wish I'd found yours sooner!".
Kimberley Smith (Introduction to traditional stained glass one day workshop) July 2011.
“Thanks for a most enjoyable 12 weeks".
Maura Dawoud (Stained glass Friday afternoon course) April - July 2011.
“Learning took place in a relaxed, friendly environment and the limited number of participants enabled us to have as much help and tuition as we needed".
"I was delighted with the pieces I made. A gift certificate for a course would make a perfect gift for a friend or family member".
Norah Mills (Stained glass Friday afternoon course) April - July 2011.
“I enjoyed the way the course allowed you to plod on at your own speed and the clear and concise explanations and demonstrations during all the projects. I was absolutely delighted with the end product, I couldn't believe I had made it.! Thanks a lot Martin, I really enjoyed the course".
Paul Howell (Stained glass Wednesday evening course) April - July 2011.
“I enjoyed making something really special and tangible and forgetting about everything else for a couple of hours. Learning new skills at the pace that suits you. Good radio and nice people. Fabulous Tutor with lots of support”.
“It was particularly brilliant that the Tutor didn't do it for you when you found it tricky- which must take real patience-you genuinely knew that you had made that lovely thing when you completed it".
Imogen McLean (Stained glass Monday evening course) May - July 2011.
“As you know, I am completely hooked and will no doubt be booking another course soon".
Su Curtis (Stained glass Monday evening course) May - July 2011.
“Thank you so much for the intro to stained glass course - I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I enjoyed it so much that I would like to attend the September course".
Harriet Gray (Introduction to traditional stained glass one day workshop) June 2011.
“I liked the opportunity to try a new craft under excellent expert guidance and in a small group with opportunity for individual attention. The organisation of the materials, instructions and workspace were all brilliant, it never felt rushed and Martin's patience and guidance was really great. I felt relaxed and totally absorbed in what I was doing and for me that was a real bonus and realised a wish to try stained glass making that I have had for a long time. The end product was a lovely reminder of a great day. The lunch was excellent too!".
Viv Lowndes Smith (Introduction to traditional stained glass one day workshop) June 2011.
“I'd wanted to do this for such a long time and it was nice to finally get the opportunity. Everything was just right, the setting, the speed at which you taught/offered support and the amount of time to practice".
Annabel Dale (Mosaic one day workshop) April 2011.
“I enjoyed learning both tiffany and lead work but preferred the tiffany in the end and love the end result of my own tiffany piece - the chicken. I enjoyed the course more due to the fact that there were only four students so Martin was able to dedicate more time to explaining and assisting each and every one of us through our own projects. Martin was professional, an excellent teacher and was very patient”.
Angie Dawson (Stained glass Friday afternoon course) January - April 2011.
“Small numbers meant that we all had individual attention, help always available and lots of encouragement given at every step. I liked the easy teaching style which made me feel that I could ask the same question at least 3 times without looking silly! I also enjoyed seeing other students work and the weekly project brought in by Martin”.
Sue Coonan (Stained glass Wednesday evening course) January - April 2011.
“I enjoyed many things - the fact that within 5 minutes of starting we were cutting glass, the level of supervision was spot on, all the necessary equipment was readily available, Martin's obvious enthusiasm for the medium and the ease in which he passed on knowledge and the fact that at the end of 12 short weeks I had produced three pieces of work which I now have proudly exhibited in our home”.
Amy Lewis (Stained glass Wednesday evening course) January - April 2011.
“Another wonderfully relaxing day, with a great piece of art to hang on my wall...off to design my own piece now!”.
Kerry Ford (Introduction to traditional stained glass one day workshop) April 2011.
“I enjoyed learning new skills, the small group tuition which was really individual tuition. The relaxed and informal atmosphere and the encouragement and support given at every stage of the excellent and professional tuition”.
Chantal Kelly (Stained glass Friday afternoon course) January - April 2011.
“I enjoyed pretty much everything. It is so exciting to see a project grow and take shape. It is great that you are able to help us and be around to sort everything out as we go along”.
Nina Patterson (Stained glass Thursday morning course) January - April 2011.
“I enjoyed learning something new, being able to design and create something unique. I really enjoyed every session and came home really satisfied that I had worked hard and learned new skills. I am proud of the piece I made and look forward to making something else one day”.
Laura Thomlinson (Stained glass Monday evening course) January - March 2011.
“I just wanted to write and thank you for a brilliant day last Saturday. Your demonstrations and explanations were extremely clear, any of the difficulties I had were addressed in a positive fashion and I left feeling ready to create an individual piece. Thank you very much”.
Pamela Baldwin (Introduction to traditional stained glass one day workshop) April 2011.
“Just thought I would let you know how much I enjoyed the Mosaic Workshop I attended yesterday can’t wait to start creating my own”.
Amy Walker (Mosaic one day workshop) March 2011.
”It was friendly and relaxed I learnt how to do a mosaic and finished one. There were only four people so plenty of supervision”.
“I would thank you for making it so enjoyable I look forward to doing another workshop with you”.
Paula Quick (Mosaic one day workshop) March 2011.
“Professionally presented and organised and well thought out. Martin has a very hands off approach which makes you get stuck in, so you learn and apply the techniques yourself in a supportive and friendly atmosphere. The activities are well paced and interesting and you are encouraged to try and develop your own ideas in a fully supportive environment. Overall a very satisfying and practical learning experience which gives you a very solid start on the road to stained glass lead and foil work”.
Dave Berry (Stained glass Monday evening course) January - March 2011.
“I enjoyed the whole day, but I was really thrilled that I was able to bring home a great piece of stained glass that I show off to anybody who will listen!!”.
“Brilliant day...can't wait to have another go”.
Sally Ainsworth (Introduction to traditional stained glass one day workshop) March 2011.
“Personal tuition due to small class sizes, very good workshop environment - light, clean and airy. Excellent introduction to both copper and traditional lead techniques”.
“Thank you so much Martin for introducing me to this wonderful hobby. It's something I've wanted to do for many years, and your course absolutely delivered and didn't disappoint. Also many thanks for being so accommodating and fitting in missed classes. Wouldn't have expected this - usually classes missed are classes missed. Also for your patience and assistance in making sure I ultimately completed my project. I'm absolutely thrilled with the finished article”.
Beverley Bones (Stained glass Thursday evening course) September - December 2010.
“I really enjoyed the course. The structure and teaching was clear and very understandable, everything was set out so you could just get on with your work, there was no waiting around for equipment & tools and you were always there to help and give advice when needed: I enjoyed the course immensely and would not hesitate to do another one in the future”.
Jacqueline Clayton (Stained glass Monday evening course) September - December 2010.
“As an "almost beginner" to stained glass I had the mad idea to make 14 trinket boxes to give as gifts for Christmas. This I would not have achieved had it not been for all of Martin's help, support and encouragement. So, thank you Martin I really appreciated all your help”.
Beverly Inkles (Stained glass Friday afternoon course) September - December 2010.
“It was quite exciting seeing things developing each week. I found your demonstration and instruction easy to follow, and knew you were there if there were any problems. I really enjoyed the course and am pleased and amazed at the finished piece”.
Doreen Smillie (Stained glass Monday evening course) September - December 2010.
“I enjoyed the teaching and support in a well equipped studio”.
Carrie Williams (Stained glass Friday afternoon course) September - December 2010.
“I loved learning the techniques and being able to create such lovely things. Tiffany was my favourite and I still can't believe I made the fan lampshade. Great teaching made everything straightforward and achievable”.
Jill Everitt (Stained glass Thursday morning course) September - December 2010.
"Well done Martin, you're doing a grand job. After a bad experience at another tutor's class I was about to give up on the courses - I'm glad I didn't".
Beryl Brown (Stained glass Friday afternoon course) September - December 2010.
“It was really good to do something constructive and creative and to come away with a piece of art and a skill”.
Richard Penn (Stained glass Wednesday evening course) September - December 2010.
“Enjoyed the course and the company no end and look forward to many absorbing hours in the future”.
Nigel Burkitt (Stained glass Wednesday evening course) September - December 2010.
“Excellent attentive teaching which enabled me to produce pieces that pleased me”.
“I liked the fact that you were able to fit me into other classes if I missed one”.
Pat Pearson (Stained glass Friday afternoon course) September - December 2010.
“I enjoyed producing, in a relatively short time, a lovely piece of art that I could display”.
Margaret Parker (Stained glass Friday afternoon course) September - December 2010.
“Very laidback no pressure and enjoyable, another cracking course well done and thanks”.
Rachel Hawke (Stained glass Thursday evening course) September - December 2010.
“Small group so a very good level of help and tuition”.
Joanna Wilding (Stained glass Monday evening course) September - December 2010.
“It was such a great day. Martin is a wonderful teacher, I felt like I have learnt a lot and I can't wait to have another go!”.
“Lovely food, atmosphere and beautiful studio”.
“Great to have actual creations to take away too!”.
Emily Humphreys (Christmas decoration stained glass workshop) December 2010.
“I enjoyed trying something new in a relaxed, supportive, well equipped studio. Excellent tuition”.
Pippa Hall (Christmas decoration stained glass workshop) December 2010.
“Jean and I thoroughly enjoyed our day with you and were delighted to take home our beautiful sun catchers, of which we were very proud. We learnt many new skills and the small number of participants meant a high level of individual tuition. Martin, you explained everything clearly and your instructions were divided into bite size pieces so they were easy to follow. You provided a delicious lunch.(we would love the soup recipe). Altogether an extremely interesting, productive, inspiring and enjoyable day. Thank you”.
Stephanie Dugdale and Jean Petty (Introduction to Tiffany Stained glass one day workshop) September 2010.
“Really nice to be able to complete a piece in one day, the workshop is very well organised and equipped and the small number of students meant we made great progress. Very tasty lunch”.
Kate Billington (Introduction to Tiffany Stained glass one day workshop) September 2010.
"Enjoyed skills we learned. Thought the teaching was spot on with a good balance of demonstration and positive support when doing our own pieces".
Bridget Thompson (Stained glass evening course) April - July 2010.
"The skills are taught very clearly and Martin is really encouraging and there to help as soon as you need it. The workshop is very well set up and a pleasure to work in. I like how different items and techniques are shown every week so that you are aware of what you might do in the future".
Carol Sutton (Stained glass evening course) April - July 2010.
"The organisation Martin provided and clear objectives meant that the maximum learning was achieved in the time available. Within the course, there was flexibility to allow for individual skill and individuality".
Hilary Jowle (Stained glass evening course) April - July 2010.
”I enjoyed every aspect of the course, from getting an understanding of the different techniques required for tiffany and lead work to meeting 4 new people. I also found the studio a pleasant and comfortable place to be. Last but not least, I have 2 lovely window hangings that I have shown to absolutely everyone”.
Beverly Inkles (Stained glass evening course) April - June 2010.
”Friendly atmosphere, excellent tuition with enthusiasm and support at all stages. Tuition is at the right level for you and done with humour and sensitivity. Martin is patient and very knowledgeable and you feel relaxed and have a great sense of achievement that you made the object”.
“Excellent course will be booking again, when I can get in. Eager to learn more!”.
Andrew Clayton (Stained glass evening course) January - April 2010.
”That I was totally absorbed from beginning to end, to the extent that I almost objected to being removed from the grinder to have (a delicious) lunch!”.
Kerry Ford (Introduction to Tiffany glass, one day workshop) May 2010.
”I hope I will be able to come back and do another course sometime soon I really enjoyed it”.
Lynn Nicholson (Stained glass evening course) January - April 2010.
”I enjoyed it all; I love the pieces I made and the one-on-one instruction”.
Mandy Radcliff (Stained glass evening course) January - April 2010.
”Relaxed and Friendly atmosphere and your approach is excellent in giving the confidence we all need to progress. Your set up is really good and I wish you every success”.
Una Hill (Stained glass evening course) January - April 2010.
”I enjoyed the facilities, tuition and small class size. Also gaining ideas through discussion with the other class members in a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. There isn't any con’s to the course other than ensuring I keep going as places are scarce”.
Karen Armitage (Stained glass evening course) January - March 2010.
”It was the first time I had worked with glass and I really enjoyed it. I found all of the procedures interesting, and even the grinding quite therapeutic. I felt I had virtually one to one teaching, which I did have on one evening! It helped that a couple attending the course, were experienced and just needed a guiding hand. I was very pleased with the pieces I produced”.
Wendy Robertson (Stained glass evening course) September - December 2009.
”It was easy to understand and easy to pick up. It was extremely good fun. It was also very satisfying to come away with several completed items”.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the day. It was very informative and easy to pick up. I had never done a stained glass course before but the instructions were clear and I did not feel that I was at a disadvantage even though I was the only beginner in the class. Martin had an excellent teaching manner and was easy to approach with any question regarding the class. I would strongly recommend this class to anyone”.
“There was also an excellent lunch provided which far exceeded my expectations! I was only expecting sandwiches, but we were treated to a wonderful buffet! Delicious!!”.
“The whole day was brilliant!”.
Antonia Longden (Christmas decorations stained glass one day workshop) November 2009.
