Artist helping to restore history

by Jessie Johnston

Lead-lighting is an art form that Pauline English is passionate about. While many don’t class it as art, the beautiful and creative scenes that Pauline can make with different colours and textures of glass is something to admire.

Most recently, Pauline was involved in cleaning, repairing and strengthening the stunning stained glass window that can now be seen in the new Stoke Methodist Church. With painters and tradesmen waiting to do their bit in the conversion of the building, Pauline was forced to complete the window in just three weeks, half the time she would have normally taken. “It was hard work, [the panels] were very dirty, there was a lot of old putty and lead that had to come off the outside of it and [it took] a lot of careful handling,” says Pauline. “A lot of leadlighters don’t like doing repairs, but to me it’s all part of it.
The challenge is quite rewarding in itself and seeing something restored is really cool.”

Pauline began her craft over 20 years ago through a course offered in Westport. She then landed her dream job working for Glass Craft. When the shop closed, Pauline tried to work in other jobs but nothing compared to leadlighting. “I was really disappointed when [the shop shut] but I’m also really determined and I think if you love what you do, you’ll always find a way of doing it.”

Pauline now runs Top Shelf Lead-Lighting from Richmond Glass in Nelson and says she loves working with customers to make a truly special feature for their home.

The Stoke Methodist Church was Pauline’s fourth church for the repair of stained glass windows. She has also worked on a number of old, historical homes around Nelson and completed work for clients as far as Auckland. Her work can be seen at Lustre Gallery and Art.