John and Laura Gilroy AMGP have been involved in producing stained glass since 1985 when they began an intensive apprentice education in one of England’s oldest studios founded in 1788. There they mastered the traditional skills used in creating new windows and in the preservation and restoration of existing windows. The Gilroys consider themselves fortunate to have been the last artists to have completed their training before James Clark & Eaton of Bristol closed their doors for the last time.

Laura, as the main designer, was elected an Associate of the British Society of Master Glass Painters in 2000, and Gilroy Stained Glass has membership of the Craft Council of British Columbia . The Gilroys also enjoy teaching glass painting classes, and feel that it is now their turn to pass on some of the skills and techniques that were once almost exclusive to the ecclesiastical artist.

It was a natural progression in 2000 to become Gilroy Stained Glass and achieve their ambition of opening their own studio. They predominately supplied 30 other stained glass studios throughout Britain and the USA with glass painting and artwork. They also undertook a variety of new commissions ranging from residential and commercial projects through to ecclesiastical commissions for all religious denominations. They established a reputation as restoration experts, often called upon to meticulously restore windows so badly damaged that a box of fragments was the only clue left to its original state.

Several of the design projects they completed for the USA encompassed all the windows in a church, allowing them to set the artistic style and ambiance for the whole building. For an artist this is a very rewarding concept and one they wanted more opportunity to explore both in design and glass painting, and this led to the decision to move to North America where newer buildings increase this kind of opportunity. Their research led them in 2005 to the West Coast of Canada and Vancouver as a location where they could further their abilities and portfolio in a beautiful and stimulating environment. They feel very strongly that by making a conscious effort to keep the studio focused on the fine art side of the craft; by taking on projects that reflect this, and maintaining high standard of quality control at all stages including joinery and installation, they can make their studio synonymous with fine art in stained glass.