Designing “Old Greg” stained glass transforms a recognizable character into a vibrant, luminous art piece. This pursuit blends humor and craftsmanship, creating a visually striking and unexpected object. Such projects demonstrate how artistic mediums adapt to contemporary culture, bringing new life to classic techniques.
The Genesis of “Old Greg” Stained Glass
“Old Greg” originates from the British comedy series The Mighty Boosh, created by and starring Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding. Portrayed by Noel Fielding, Old Greg is a transgender merman who lives in a cave beneath Black Lake. His iconic appearance includes a green, slimy complexion, a pink tutu, and often, a fishing lure or hook in his head.
This eccentric character gained a cult following due to his quirky personality, memorable catchphrases like “Whatya doin’ in my waters?”, and his love for Baileys Irish Cream. Old Greg’s vivid colors and defined outlines translate well into the segmented, color-block nature of stained glass, capturing his essence in a durable, light-reactive medium.
Stained Glass Artistry: Techniques and Materials
Creating stained glass involves specific techniques and materials. The most common method for intricate designs, like character-based pieces, is the copper foil technique, also known as the Tiffany method. This involves wrapping individual glass pieces with thin copper foil tape. The copper foil acts as a surface for solder to adhere, allowing for strong connections between glass pieces.
Essential tools for this process include a glass cutter for scoring glass, running pliers for breaking glass along score lines, and a grinder for shaping and smoothing edges. Copper foil comes in various widths and backing colors, with 3/16″ or 7/32″ being common choices. Flux is applied to the foiled edges to clean the metal and facilitate the flow of solder. Finally, a soldering iron and solder (typically a 60/40 tin-lead alloy for stained glass) are used to join the foiled glass pieces together, creating a unified panel.
Designing and Creating Your “Old Greg” Stained Glass
Translating Old Greg into a stained glass pattern requires careful consideration. Begin by selecting a high-quality image as a reference. Simplify the image into distinct shapes and lines, remembering that glass is cut in segments and intricate details are challenging. Consider Old Greg’s green skin, pink tutu, and other colorful attributes when choosing glass, as the glass color defines the final appearance.
Once the pattern is finalized, it is traced onto the chosen glass pieces. Each glass piece is then carefully cut using a glass cutter and shaped with a grinder to ensure precise fit. After grinding, each piece is wrapped tightly with copper foil, ensuring the foil is evenly applied and burnished to create a strong adhesive bond. The foiled pieces are then arranged on the pattern, flux is applied to the copper seams, and a soldering iron is used to join them together, creating a raised bead of solder. Throughout this process, wearing safety glasses and cut-resistant gloves is important to prevent injury from glass shards and hot tools.
Displaying and Caring for Stained Glass
Proper display and care preserve your stained glass artwork. Stained glass pieces are best showcased where natural light can pass through them, such as in a window, to highlight colors and textures. A strong light source behind the piece is recommended, or a lightbox can be used if a window is not available. When hanging, ensure secure methods are used, such as hooks or chains attached to a sturdy support like a wall stud or window molding, rather than suction cups, which can fail.
To maintain the piece, regular dusting with a soft, lint-free cloth is sufficient. If cleaning is needed, use mild dish soap and distilled water on a soft sponge, and gently dry the piece immediately to prevent water spots and oxidation. Avoid abrasive materials, harsh chemicals, or ammonia-based cleaners, as these can damage the glass, solder lines, or patina. The metal (solder or lead) may oxidize over time, appearing as a whitish film; this can often be gently wiped away or polished with carnauba wax to restore shine.