Liz colours the past (From Stroud News and Journal)

Liz colours the past

A SORRY old piece of stained glass has been restored to its former glory by a talented young craftswoman.

When Sue Durston saw the pretty Victorian panel lying on the ground near her new home in Bisley, she thought it would be a shame to see it ruined.

She a drew blank when she asked around to see if anyone knew of its history, except that it might have been dug up nearby.

Then when out on a shopping trip in Stroud she saw a sparkling design by Liz Dart hanging in the window of the Made in Stroud Shop in Kendrick Street.

Staff there hold details of more than 100 local specialist craftsmen and women who display their work in the shop. They put Mrs Durston in touch with Liz, who is experienced in repairing old glass panels and designing and making new pieces.

"It's a lovely old piece, a classic example of Victorian painted glass," said Liz (29) from Nailsworth.

"Some of the panels and leading needed replacing - it was a very satisfying job."

She started working with glass ten years ago, studying under master stained glass restorer Graham Dowding in Horsley and now runs her own firm, Liz Dart Stained Glass.