About Us
Avalon Stained Glass
Avalon Stained Glass are specialists in the conservation and restoration of architectural, historic, contemporary and vernacular stained glass and glazing.
We are based in Somerset, serving the South West of England and beyond. Avalon Stained Glass team comprises husband and wife Rachel and Roddy Smith-Blair. Rachel and Roddy bring a unique and wide-ranging skill base with an abundance of understanding, practical capability, sensitivity, artistic integrity, and expertise in stained glass restoration.
Rachel
Rachel comes from an art school background, focusing on stained glass since 1995 when she joined the world-renowned Chapel Studio in Hertfordshire. There, she worked under the tutelage of distinguished stained glass luminaries such as Alfred Fisher MBE FMGP FRSA, Peter Archer FMGP, Paul San Casciani, and Robert, Earl of Holloway A.C.R. FMGP.
Rachel's natural talent and aptitude for stained glass led her to become head of conservation and a senior member of the glass painting department, specializing in stained glass conservation and stained glass restoration.
She has completed many specialist courses and received numerous awards for her skills in conservation and glass painting. Over the years, Rachel has also mentored many young stained glass apprentices, guiding them toward successful careers and even facilitating their own stained glass commissions.
Roddy
Roddy began his long and accomplished career in stained glass back in 1989 when he started an artisan’s apprenticeship at Chapel Studios, where he was promoted to foreman within 4 years. During his tenure at Chapel Studios, Roddy excelled in various aspects of the stained glass trade, including estimating, assessing, and overseeing numerous large and high-profile stained glass commissions as well as projects focused on stained glass restoration and conservation. In the late 90s, Roddy relocated to Wells, Somerset, where he co-founded Holy Well Glass with Martin Jones and Steve Clare.