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Glasshouse: Overall Winners Announced

The overall winner of Glasshouse, one of the most successful architectural competitions ever staged, was announced during a presentation ceremony held in Düsseldorf. Tomás Garcia Pìriz and Javier Moreno Del Ojo from Spain were presented with a trophy and prize of £10,000 by Stuart Chambers, Chief Executive of Pilkington plc which created Glasshouse in association with professional journal Architecture Today. Julie Houlberg Michaelsen based in Finland was commended in second place.

The presentation was witnessed by the judging panel that included such luminaries of the international architectural community as Pekka Helin (Helsinki), Sergey Kisselev (Moscow), Ian Ritchie (London), Matthias Sauerbruch (Berlin), and Elias Torres (Barcelona), together with the seven other regional winners from which the overall winner was selected. Representatives of the partner architectural journals that supported Glasshouse throughout Europe, and which will review work from the competition, were also in attendance.

Glasshouse was conceived to stimulate future interest and growth in glass by encouraging student and young architects to use more glass in buildings. Entrants were asked to examine and exploit the enormous potential of glass as a structural and decorative building medium in order to develop houses suited to the ways that we want to live in the 21st century, one of the great challenges for the architectural community.

Glasshouse has been acclaimed as one of the most successful competitions of its type ever organised, both for the number of entries received - over 750 - but also for the geographical spread of those participating. Whilst initial publicity for the event was generated through the partner architectural journals and posters placed in architectural colleges, entries were made through the Internet. This was believed to be the key to the event's success.

Sara Sanders, Project Manager of Glasshouse for Pilkington says the event has surpassed any aspirations the organisers had for the event: 'From a relatively low-key exercise that was intended, in the longer term, to stimulate interest in glass as a building component, Glasshouse has become a major European event. The numbers far exceeded our highest aspirations but now the judges have had the opportunity to review the entries, we find that the quality is also very high.'

The remaining seven regional winners are:
Megan Baynes from Sweden; Jörn Loffhagen and Ingo Beelte from Germany; Mateusz Urbanski and Lukasz Sterzvnksi from Poland; Ronald Schleurholts and Frank Bouwman from The Netherlands; Vladimir Mitov from Bulgaria; Massimiliano Settimelli and Reali Fabio from Italy; Mason C White and Lola E Sheppard from the United Kingdom.

Tel: 01744 692000
Email: mailto:contact@pilkington.com
Web: http://www.pilkington.com

Unitec Hardware Under New Ownership

A Joint Statement from the Directors of Geniatec AG, Hanover, Germany and Unitec Hardware Ltd, Milton Keynes, UK

The supervisory board of Geniatec AG has announced that as a result of successful negotiations, the UK management team of Unitec has acquired the assets and total shareholding in Unitec Hardware Ltd, 18 Denbigh Hall, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, England.

The sale of its UK distribution interest is in line with the Geniatec boards decision to concentrate on the development of its core activities and to strengthen its existing markets in mainland Europe. The Chairman of Geniatec AG, Mr Andreaus Von Engelbrechten, wished every success and continued prosperity to the new owners.

The UK company's Managing Director, Mr Phil Moulds, who spearheaded the acquisition of Unitec, confirmed that a new board of directors has now been formed under his leadership.

Whilst both companies are now completely independent, it was jointly expressed that, where and when appropriate, there will continue to be friendly co-operation and the opportunity for both parties to interact on mutual areas of interest.

Tel: 01908 633700
Email: mailto:sales@unitechardware.co.uk
Web: http://www.unitechardware.co.uk

First European Window Producers Declare Conformity with CE-Marking

The European window and curtain walling manufacturers will declare for the first time conformity of their products with CE-marking at the annual meeting of the European fenestration federations in Barcelona. The CE-mark confirms conformity with the (still not applicable) European product standards and represents a European passport for trade products. 'With this CE-declaration we press for fast adoption of the European standards. We want uniform European testing and standards without national limits', said Karl Heinz Herbert, secretary general of the European fenestration federations at Glasstec 2002, shortly before the upcoming meeting of the trade federations in Barcelona from 31st October to 3rd November.

The materials-specific European trade federations FAECF (metal windows and curtain walls), FEMIB (window and door joinery) and EPW (PVCu windows) will hold their annual meetings in Barcelona. EuroWindoor, their materials-neutral umbrella organisation and European stakeholder takes this opportunity to accompany the events by discussing materials-neutral European issues in plenary meetings. Information is aiso expected from Europe's senior construction officer, Mr. Vicente Leoz de Arguelles of the European Commission. The objective of the CE-declarations made for the first time by the fenestration industry on the basis of the draft product standards published so far, is to speed up adoption of the relevant European standards. Implementation of harmonised standards continues to be blocked by some Member States. The practice applied so far of multi-testing produces unnecessary costs, increases product prices and is an obstacle to European market integration.

Tel: +49 (0) 69 95 50 54 19
Email: mailto:eurowindoor@eurowindoor.org
Web: http://www.eurowindoor.org

Window Producers Volunteer to Discontinue Using SF6 Gas

German window producers will discontinue the use of the highly controversial SF6 gas in sound-proof windows in the future. This is the content of a planned declaration of self-commitment as announced on 28th October by the national trade association 'Verband der Fenster-und Fassadenhersteller e.V.' With this action the window industry underlines its spearhead function in climate protection. Furthermore, the window trade substantially contributes to reducing CO2 emissions by promoting energy-efficient construction.

'The voluntary commitment to do without the environmentally highly controversial SF6 gas due to its greenhouse gas potential, is a voluntary contribution of our industry to climate protection. Our producers, however, would be able to contribute even more to energy efficiency if the German Government decided to agree to our proposal of introducing a 50% VAT reduction for energy-efficient window replacement and promote this way replacement of old energy consuming windows', declared Dipl.-Ing. Frank Koos of Verband der Fenster-und Fassadenhersteller in Düsseldorf at Glasstec 2002.

SF6 is sound-absorbing, low-cost, nontoxic, non-aggressive, but it is an extrelnely potent greenhouse gas. It contributes to climate change and increases the burden on the environment. The window and glass industry have taken account of this situation and developed alternative products in compliance with maximum acoustic insulation requirements without using the ecotoxic SF6 gas.

Much higher amounts of another green house gas, namely CO2, are emitted during energy production, which makes energy efficiency a key player in climate protection. Already in the early stage of preparing and finally at the implementation of the German Energy Efficiency Act (EnEV) which has become effective this year, the fenestration industry pointed out that thermal insulation windows of advanced design contribute to the energy efficiency measures requested. At the same time, the trade initiative 'fenstermarkt-plus.de' published a complex study to show that a 50% VAT reduction for new energy efficient windows would have two beneficial effects: on the labour market and on the global climate. Fiscal incentives would be an ideal solution to comply with the targets of the Kyoto Protocol on climate change because there is still much to do as regards the commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Even lower tax revenue would be more than compensated for by higher income from wage taxes until the forecast period 2012.

'By discontinuing the use of SF6, our producers show environmental awareness and responsibility. If the ecologically more efficient VAT reduction came into being, a substantial number of windows in need of improvement in Germany would be replaced by new windows of advanced design. There are 380 million window units in need of replacement in Germany that would be eligible for this measure', said Frank Koos of Verband der Fenster-und Fassadenhersteller e.V.

Tel: +49 69 95 50 54-0
Email: mailto:pr@window.de
Web: http://www.window.de

New ETA Guideline for Conservatory and Atrium Roofs Approved

The BBA has played a key role in the preparation of a new European Technical Approval Guideline - an assessment method showing how products and systems would be evaluated, leading, if successful, to the award of European Technical Approvals.

BBA Division Head Brian Haynes acted as Governor for the Working Group dealing with Self-Supporting Translucent Roof Kits (with plastic infill).

The development of the ETAG involved input from bodies like the BBA throughout Europe and a number of meetings were required to define the specifications to the satisfaction of all and to polish the document in its final published form.

Underpinning the BBA's input was a National Technical Committee, organised by the BBA as part of its role as UK spokesbody into the co-ordinating European Organisation for Technical Approvals. These NTCs include representatives from UK trade associations, research and testing organisations and technical experts. The NTCs give the national view which is then presented by the BBA at the meetings of the Working Groups in Europe.

The publication ofthe ETAG means that ETAs and CE marking will now be available to manufacturers of conservatory and atrium roofs.

Contact: Alan Thomas
Tel: 01923 665382
Email: mailto:athomas@bba.star.co.uk
Web: http://www.bbacerts.co.uk

Ultraframe moves up a gear in Ireland

Ultraframe has announced a major restructuring of its sales and distribution in Ireland. The move represents a major step change in the level of support and investment offered to its conservatory roof customers both in the North and South of Ireland. The Ultraframe group is unrivalled in its sector for the breadth and quality of its products and its commitment to investment, innovation and customer service. It offers the widest range of products and components for a huge variety of applications - from home conservatories through to commercial structures such as leisure facilities, atria and restaurant extensions. Ultraframe recently extended its sphere of operation from purely Europe to North America, with the acquisition of the Four Seasons group, the largest sun room installer in America. Turnover exceeds £150 million and the group has 1300 employees worldwide.

Ultraframe's initial distribution agreement was with Ultrasales in Dublin, a company presently owned by the Bowen Group, a major construction and engineering business. Bowen Group is now to expand in to other areas, and with their agreement, Ultraframe is reclaiming its previously licensed brand identity and is looking to set up a network of localised fabricators across the country, offering a more personal service to local installers and builders. It is planned that the first of these new fabricators will be trading from Baldoyle, Dublin; from is a 20,000 sq. ft factory unit including a conservatory showroom and training facility. The company will have the capacity to manufacture up to 60 pre-fabricated roofs per week.

Underwriting Ultraframe's commitment to Ireland is new sales manager Karl Simpson, whose role will be to ensure that customers orders, placed direct with Ultraframe or via its fabricators, are dealt with quickly and efficiently. The company also offers a CAD service and base plan layouts, as well as a rapid turnaround from signed order confirmation - an industry leading service provision. Speaking on his appointment, Karl said, 'I have worked with Ultraframe's products for many years and know they will have great appeal to the Irish market. The company's engineering excellence and unrivalled marketing support - combined with the important IAB accreditation - provide superb business opportunities for Irish conservatory fabricators and installers'.

Ultraframe systems are immediately available through a number of channels - in addition to local fabricators - including a number of UK based companies who have strong links in Ireland resulting from years of significant trading in the market.The Ultraframe systems - for both Victorian and Ultralite - are the only ones to have Irish Agrement Board approval, demonstrating clear evidence of their fitness for purpose and an lAB-confirmed life expectancy of at least 25 years.

http://www.ultraframe.com

Rapid success in 21st Century Windows

The largest PVCU fabricator in North Wales, 21st Century Windows, has recently completed the latest expansion of its Hawarden site that puts the company well on its way to achieve its objective of producing 2,500 windows per week.

21st Century, which manufactures windows using the VEKA Matrix system, operates from a 2.5 acre site on the Welsh/English border, a location that allows the company to compete throughout the United Kingdom. A substantial investment in machinery within the last 12 months that has improved both the quality consistency and delivery times for its products, has given 21st Century the opportunity to service larger accounts. And with more frames coming out of the factory so 21st Century has increased its delivery fleet, with 70 new jobs created throughout the company.

Bryn Williams, 21st Century's Sales Director says that its systems supplier has provided excellent support for the company's development: 'VEKA has played a major role in supporting us since the start of the company. One the most useful tools that we particularly value is VEKA's Big Rig mobile exhibition unit. We used this again recently for two open days during which over 30 companies came to see our factory and to see the quality of the work we produce. This produced hard orders, the best evidence there is that something works!'

21st Century has now rewarded VEKA's support by entering into a long term supply agreement with its principal supplier, ensuring the continuity that Bryn believes is essential for its own future, and for its customers. A similar agreement has been signed with conservatory roof supplier Ultraframe.

Tel: 01282 716611
Email: mailto:salesenquiry@veka.com
Web: http://www.vekauk.com

John Fredericks lncreases Capacity by 50 Per Cent

Trade fabricator John Fredericks has increased its manufacturing capacity by 50 per cent by expanding into a new 23,500 square feet factory in Lockwood, near Huddersfield.

To further improve its production and to maintain growth, the company will now manufacture its sealed glass units and conservatory roofs at the new factory.

All John Fredericks' frames will continue to be manufactured from the company's original 70,000 square feet production facility in Huddersfield, which has been equipped with a new 5,000 square feet Mezzanine terrace to provide additional storage space.

The move into additional premises follows John Fredericks' significant investment into new equipment, which includes new reinforcing centres and auto screwing machines, a fully automated cutting machine and a new machine to improve corner cleaning.

Mark Dicconson, sales director of John Fredericks, commented: 'The move into these new premises has enabled us to dramatically increase our manufacturing capacity and restructure our production. That, coupled with our investment into new equipment, will enable the business to continue its rapid growth pattern over the coming months.'

Tel: 01422 314100
Email: mailto:sales@johnfredericksplastics.com
Web: http://www.johnfredericksplastics.co.uk

Tests Prove Calcium Zinc Outperforms Lead

'Recent tests perfomed on various PVC compounds confirm that products made from calcium zinc significantly outperform lead-based alternatives when measured in simulated weathering tests.' says Freefoam Plastics.

The trials were conducted on behalf of compound supplier, Doeflex-Vitapol, the PVC division of Vita Themoplastic Compounds Ltd., which recently launched its brand new CAL-X range of calcium zinc based rigid PVC extrusion and moulding compounds.

The company claims that results show that ecologically sound CAL-X is still 'fit for purpose' after 15 years exposure to the elements, while the lead-based PVC suffered significant colour loss over the same period.

'These findings are very significant to an industry plagued by legal claims for pinking and discolouration,' comments Tony Walsh, Managing Director of Freefoam Plastics, a manufacturer of roofline and rainwater systems.

Freefoam has been using advanced calcium zinc fomulations in extruding its foam profiles, rigid PVCu moulds and rainwater systems for some time.

He adds; 'We've always believed that calcium zinc yields a better board in terms of impact resistance, workability, and finish. And thanks to calcium zinc and CAL-X's 'colour lock'R technology and stringent processing controls, we are able to offer a 20 year extended guarantee on all our products - that's a first in our industry.'

For more information on calcium zinc or for a copy of CAL-X brochure, call 01604 759871 or log onto http://www.cal-x.co.uk

Contact: Karen Fehily or Julie Deasy
Tel: 01604 759871 (Northampton)
Tel: 021 4911055 (Cork)
Email: mailto:sales@freefoam.com
Web: http://www.freefoam.com

FABRICATOR BARES ALL TO STOP BYPASS

A well known fabricator stripped stark naked and stood in the middle of a field, to demonstrate against a bypass proposal that will destroy a great part of the most beautiful countryside remaining in the West Midlands.

The fabricator, joined by action group colleagues and local personalities, has created a practical, but risqué A3 sized calendar for 2003, that will brighten up any home or office.

So, who's the cheeky chappy? For that you have to support the cause and purchase a calendar. Price is £6.50, simply call 0788 7997352 or email: Barefabricator@aol.com for your copy, but hurry - this is a limited edition!

Any monies remaining when the fight is over will be donated to local charities.

It's an Openworld with HomePro

HomePro has announced another alliance designed to help its trade customers gain access to hundreds of thousands of consumers actively seeking home improvements. The company hasformed an alliance with lnternet Service Provider (ISP) BT Openworld that sees its Find-a-Pro 'active matching' service forming part of the ISP's subscriber content.

BT Openworld has 1.8 million narrowband and 190,000 broadband customers in the UK - and HomePro's Find-a-Pro service is now a feature within the BT Openworld Property and Self Build channels. The service is also being promoted on BT Openworld's Lifestyle channel.

HomePro.com's database of over 5000 companies has all been subject to in-depth legal and financial screening. Furthermore, during the sign up process, HomePro.com selects the names and numbers of ten of his or her previous customers at random from invoice files. These former customers are then contacted and asked to rate the service they received.

This service is also available off-line, where homeowners can source local trades professionals and check their customer satisfaction record on 08707 344 344. This service, as with the on-line one, is free.

'In addition to being the leading on and off line provider of reputable trades people, HomePro is also behind HomePro Insurance, one of the UK's foremost providers of lnsurance Backed Guarantees (IBGs).' says the company.

'With this latest alliance, HomePro trades people will be brought into contact with even more UK consumers seeking a reputable trades person to undertake a range of household improvement projects.'

Tel: 0870 734 4344
Email: mailto:info@homepro.com
Web: http://www.homepro.com

Sash Makes a Huge Splash in the Big Apple

Sash USA, the independent sales arm of Sash UK Ltd, has received an order for what is the company's biggest domestic conservatory to date with a retail value of almost $600,000 - excluding the cost of the pool and furnishings! The structure, chosen by a wealthy US software developer and his botanist wife, was ordered to create what the couple call 'The Nature Pavilion', in which will be grown rare flora and fauna around the 8 metre x 12 metre pool.

When the assembly is completed it will rise to 6 metres at its highest point internally, and will cover a total area of around 1,750 ft2 (200 m2). To provide the structural strength, rigidity and loadings required the project incorporates four different portal conservatories joined together as one large building, three of each are at different heights and two which feature lanterns.

David Ruzicka, President of the US styled Sash USA, says: 'I believe this is one of the largest 'English'-style PVCu conservatories ever to be produced for a domestic customer, the structure being added to what can best be described as a 'modest' home on the outskirts of New York.
'There was some concern that 'the local authority' might place restrictions on its construction, as the home is around 100 years old, but the project has been given full approval and is due to be completed before the end of the year.'

The huge portal structure was ordered by one of Sash's longest standing trade customers from overseas, who sells and installs a whole range of Sash conservatory products directly to customers on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. Prior to this order, the company has nearly $10 Million worth of products already fitted.

To provide assistance and expertise with design and surveying, newly promoted Sash Conservatory Director Colin Poole, has already given on-site surveying and technical support for the project and will personally travel to the US to oversee its erection.

Colin, explains: 'As with all our conservatories we pre-erect the roofs to ensure that every component fits, prior to it leaving the factory. Not only does this give our customer the confidence that every component has been designed and tested to make sure it fits, but by doing this we can dramatically cut fitting time when on site, which benefits their customers and reduces costs.'

Tel: 01226 719969
Email: mailto:nick.hibberd@sashuk.com
Web: http://www.sashuk.com

Tradeplas' American Connection

Nailsworth based retail fabricator Tradeplas has completed three conservatories in America, after striking a successful deal with a USA based trade customer.

Tradeplas fabricated three very different conservatories, using the versatile Quantal Roofing System and aluminium powder coated windows and doors and then shipped all of the conservatories together with a team of installers across the Atlantic.

'Our new American partner came to the UK about 12 months ago to look for a quality conservatory package for the US market place,' explains Eddie Calenti, Buyer at Tradeplas.

'The American market is very different from the UK. Here a conservatory as we know is an aspirational purchase that provides another living space in people's homes, such as a dining room or office space. In the US a conservatory is usually a sun room or garden room, and unlike here mostly sold through external show sites'.

The American company was impressed by Tradeplas' professional approach, its factory set up, show room and the benefits of the extensive range of products available, particularly the aesthetics and durability of the Quantal roofing system and the powder coated aluminium window and door system that Tradeplas uses.

Eddie continues; 'The Americans felt we had the products and service they required to expand in the US market, so an agreement was soon struck. Our expert team, in particular, Richard Phelps and Craig Luff, were instrumental in liasing with the customer from the initial order through to completion of each conservatory that we fabricated, exported and installed.

'The first conservatory was a medium sized Lean-To. Our second major project was a blue powder coated aluminium atrium for an upmarket apartment block in downtown Manhattan (pictured above). We fabricated the roof as well as the window and door system in Nailsworth and took all the components and our fitters to the States, to build the conservatory and also begin training our new American colleagues.

'Our next project was even more ambitious because of the sheer size of the conservatory - a massive 14.5m x 8.5 swimming pool enclosure featuring a lantern roof. Quantal produced the drawings for the steel work and Tradeplas fabricated the frames and the roof. Our installers then worked with our American counterparts to install the entire project on site in New Jersey.

'We have been in business for more than 16 years supplying a range of conservatories, windows, doors and accessories in a number of styles and finishes across the South West. Our UK business is thriving and we are looking forward to continued growth and an on-going successful American connection,' he added.

Tradeplas is part of the network of Quantal fabricators nationwide, for more information visit http://www.tradeplas.com.

Contact: Richard Hulbert at Quantal
Tel: 01626 836 403

Portal Delivers 10,000th Paladin Door

The 10,000th Paladin composite door to roll off the production line at Portal Products was presented to one of their earliest customers, C & G Cladding of Cheltenham.

To commemorate the occasion, Haydon Statham, National Sales Manager, presented a be-ribboned door and a bottle of champagne to David Anderson, C & G Cladding's Sales Manager (picture left). The door was delivered in one of Portal's newest vehicles sporting the latest livery.

C & G Cladding was established by Ian Anderson 14 years ago and supplies a range of roofline products, windows and patio doors, as well as Portal's PVCu door panel and Paladin composite door ranges.

Paladin has proved a successful choice in the firm's long-standing partnership with Severn Trent Water Authority, as David explains: 'We have won the Authority's trust through the quality and robustness of the Paladin door in commercial installations such as pumping stations where security is paramount.'

David adds: 'Service and delivery has been excellent throughout and we are delighted to have received this landmark 10,000th door.'

Since Paladin was introduced some eight years ago, the range has been developed and extended to include Georgian and Jacobean arch styles, additional colours and finishes and new glass designs for greater consumer choice.

Included in the glazing range are hand-crafted designs using gold finished lead, bevelled and obscured glass. All the glass is fully finished and each door is made-to-measure in a style to suit every home or commercial application.

Paladin composite doors combine the high performance of modern materials and technology with the natural good looks of traditional timber doors.

The woodgrain finish is embossed into steel giving a realistic texture, which, when complemented by a method of 'staining' the door, produces an authentic woodgrain appearance.

The doors have bonded steel facings, security-approved locks and an internal glazing system. A choice of high quality security locks carry approval from the Association of British Insurers and BS3621.

With a choice of either solid or glazed versions, Paladin is built for low maintenance protection against intruders and the climate.

Contact: Haydon Statham
Tel: 01242 267000
Email: mailto:sales@portal-products.co.uk

Spectus Narrowly Beats Competitors

Spectus windows have been chosen to refurbish the narrowest house in the world!

Fabricated by Raymond Williams Double Glazing, Greenock and installed by Cumbrae Joinery, new PVCu windows have been fitted to 'The Wedge' in Millport on the isle of Cumbrae, off the west coast of Scotland. The decision to replace the windows came after a fire caused damage to the house causing the then-owners to replace damaged windows. They decided to tackle them all in one go - not such a huge project in a house that is under two metres wide at its narrow end.

Spectus also supplied a new front door and side panel - together they make up the entire frontage of the wedge-shaped house.

Craigie John Frazer of Cumbrae Joinery speaks of the job with pride and humour: 'lt was certainly interesting to work on a record-breaking property! The wedge shape of the house makes the placement of windows very tricky due the need for light, so it was fascinating to see how the original builders had tackled the problem.'

Mr Frazer chose Spectus windows because they supply 'a good product' - one that he has trusted for the past three years.

Tel: 01625 420400

John Hardman, Stained Glass Master, Receives Blue Plaque in Birmingham

On Friday 8th November 2002 an English Heritage Blue Plaque was unveiled for John Hardman (1811-1867), master metalworker and stained glass maker, at 2.30pm at the Presbytery of St Francis Church, Handsworth, formerly the Hardman House, 101 Hunters Road, Birmingham. The plaque was unveiled by Mrs David Houle, President of the Pugin Society and a Hardman descendant, in the presence of the Most Reverend Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Birmingham.

Renowned for his outstanding contribution to churches and cathedrals around the country, notably the stained glass at St Chad's Cathedral in Birmingham and the Palace of Westminster in London, Hardman and the architect Augustus Welby Pugin, were pioneers of the stained glass revival of the 19th century. Hardman also famously made the hands and numerals of Big Ben.

The Most Reverend Vincent Nichols, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Birmingham, says: 'John Hardman's collaboration with Augustus Welby Pugin made a remarkable contribution to the colourful architectural heritage which we so proudly enjoy at St Chad's Cathedral and many other churches across the country. John Hardman was one of a group of laymen who were instrumental in supporting Bishop Thomas Walsh in the building of St Chad's Cathedral and the family continued its close association for several generations. I am delighted that an English Heritage Blue Plaque is being erected at St Francis as a public record of a remarkable man to whom we all owe so much.'

John Hardman belonged to a large Catholic family from Birmingham. His father, a button-maker, moved the family to Hunters Road in the 1830s, and Hardman continued to live there for much of his life. In 1894, on land to the rear of the house, the Catholic Church of St Francis was built, and Hardman House became its Presbytery. This was just opposite A.W.N Pugin's grade II listed Convent of Our Lady of Mercy (built 1840-1), paid for largely by Hardman's father, which contains some of Hardman's metal work and stained glass.

Hardman's Birmingham based business started out as a metal works but at the suggestion of Pugin, a close friend and one of the pre-eminent architects of the age, the business expanded into architectural and precious metal work and from 1845 into stained glass manufacture. Pugin was the chief designer of the firm John Hardman & Co. which became one of the most important of the Victorian art studios and was of key importance both nationally and internationally.

The work of Hardman & Co. is to be found in many churches by Pugin his St Chad's Cathedral in Birmingham, where the 'glass makers' window' (1853) shows stained glass craftsmen at work. Hardman founded the Hardman Choir which continues to sing at the cathedral to this day, and is portrayed in choir dress in one of his finest windows, the 'Immaculate Conception' (1867). Hardman and Pugin also joined forces on the stained glass at the Handsworth Mercy Convent or 'Hardman's Hospital' which cared for the Catholic sick and poor in Birmingham.

Hardman & Co. was based on Newhall Hill in the middle of Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. Today, the Jewellery Quarter contains the most extensive collection of Victorian and 20th-century buildings connected with the jewellery trade to have survived anywhere in Europe. Regeneration schemes co-ordinated by Birmingham City Council and English Heritage have aimed to restore the Jewellery Quarter's historic houses and workshops and to retain both their occupants and their trades.

After Pugin's death in 1852, his place as chief designer was taken by Hardman's nephew, John Hardman Powell. The firm continued its success up to the death of John Hardman in 1867 and beyond. The Hardman & Co. archive is in the Birmingham City Archives and a selection of their architectural metalwork as well stained glass is also on display at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

Picture: The Visitation, c 1340 and 1866
Almost entirely the work of John Hardman and Co other than a few fragments. The panels illustrate the great skill of Hardman Studio as restorers.
From the church of St John the Baptist, Hadzor, Hereford and Worcester now in the Stained Glass Museum. Gift of the Diocese of Worcester, 1976
(C) copyright The Stained Glass Museum, Ely


http://www.english-heritage.org.uk

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