The craft of glass painting was developed in 17th century Saxony, where Prince Rupert of the Rhine, the Cavalier General and nephew of King Charles I, saw the method in use. The Prince, an artist himself, introduced the idea to England after the Restoration of King Charles II.

The method involved soaking a mezzotint or engraving in water to remove the size from the paper and then baking it face down on to a piece of glass using Venetian turpentine. Once firm bond had been achieved, the paper was very carefully rubbed away until only a thin layer remained carrying the printed image. The paper then became transparent and an artist would paint the print in reverse order to normal painting; all the small details first, such as eyes, hands and buttons. Next, the larger detail was painted and finally the background and sky was added.

Reverse glass paintings were manufactured until around 1880 and then declined as an art form. The lost skills of our English heritage have now been revived and a new phase of this art form has begun. This is a unique opportunity to invest in your own piece of English history.