Grand designs...

Michael Stokes graduated in 1982 with an honours degree in fine art from the University of Central Lancashire, and studied stained-glass at Preston College and Beaconsfield.

In 1985, he started his stained-glass business in Notts where he has a studio in the Sherwood Forest Art and Craft Centre at Edwinstowe, and from where he produces beautiful stained-glass panels, windows, and more.

In 1986, Michael undertook his first ecclesiastical commission and, although he also undertakes architectural and residential commissions, he became totally absorbed with church work, since when he has designed and fabricated over 100 new ecclesiastical commissions, including 13 Chancel East windows.

Specialising in commemorative and memorial windows, each commission is individually created for its specific architectural setting.

In 2006, he studied the Chemistry for Conservators Course and also attended an eight-week full-time internship at Canterbury Cathedral Studios.

He was a winner of the Ashton Hill Award in 2006 and, in early 2007, gained a ten-week work placement at The York Glaziers Trust, gaining further conservation training.

Michael is Diocesan recommended and has carried out numerous restoration and conservation projects. He has also worked for local authorities, The Churches Conservation Trust and The Friends of Friendless Churches.