How Do I Follow That … ?

OK, so last time it was Brigitte Bardot, Bill Haley, a broken-nosed bodyguard with two missing fingers, Henry Miller and – a pussy cat … and all this in a stained glass studio?

So how do I follow that?

I see that David – my dear fellow director and master glass painter – has left me with one Hell of a cliff-hanger.

Which gives me an idea …

One Hell of a cliff-hanger

Yes, speaking of Hell, if you had visited the studio this week, you’d have witnessed the birth of eight ferocious stained glass beasts.

All born to meet the tycoon’s contract.

Remember there are 16 stained glass skylights we must make and deliver by September. (Or else, we suspect, a “deadline” will mean exactly that.)

Initial sketch showing Gothic inscription panels and Bestiary panels (no Seasons)

And, to be specific, four of them contain dark inscriptions in the Gothic style, and four of them commemorate the Seasons.

Which leaves eight of them to represent the tycoon’s bestiary.

Each skylight must be made to look original, time-worn and – original.

“Nothing new!” said the tycoon.

“Or else!” growled his bodyguard.

So thank goodness for the medium-grade sandpaper with which David distressed the traced lines:

"I hope it was the best quality medium-grade sandpaper you used ..."

And thank goodness for the many joys of oil …

"Steady on, you glass painters - remember: I can bite!"

Lastly, thank goodness for the subtlety of oil-based silver stain:

"Subtle? SUBTLE? You call this 'subtle'?"

Which leaves the tantalising question … did the silver stain succeed?

The eighth beast

Ladies and Gentlemen – our fellow glass painters: get out your popcorn, settle back in your comfy seats, turn on your speakers, and – hit Play!

With eight beasts prowling around the studio this week, you can see why we weren’t answering the phone …

Five days. Eight beasts … Job done!

Best,

P.S. Does a many-headed beast “beat” Brigitte Bardot? I’ll not be so divisive as to ask you to vote on it. I’ll just pass the “unseen mystery” of the publisher’s sitting room windows back into David’s trusty hands. For next time. Or whenever. (We do so like to keep you guessing!)

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