An original, one-of-a-kind fused-glass study created for the commissioned window at St Nicholas’ Chapel in Langstone.
Before beginning a major architectural commission, I often make a smaller study to explore the composition, colour and movement of light. This is not a reproduction made after the completed window—it is the original developmental piece from which the full-scale 96 × 28 cm chapel window grew.
Many individually handmade, micro-thin layers of pink and purple glass have been carefully placed one over another, creating a soft, luminous effect reminiscent of watercolour. The pink and purple glass colours used in this piece are gold-bearing, making them both precious and exceptionally costly materials.
Delicate layers of colour move across the harbour and sky, while the dark linework of the sailing boat and distant moorings gives the composition its still, contemplative focus. Natural variations and tiny bubbles within the fused glass catch the light and lend depth and movement to the scene.
This exact study will never be made again. I may return to the ideas, colours and atmosphere of Langstone Harbour in future work, but never in precisely this form.
This listing is for the exact piece shown in the photographs. Only one is available.
THE STORY BEHIND LANGSTONE HARBOUR
The finished Langstone Harbour window was commissioned for St Nicholas’ Chapel in Langstone.
The chapel window measures approximately 96 × 28 cm and occupies a tall, narrow opening. Before beginning the full-sized work, I created this smaller glass study to establish the balance of the landscape, the position of the sailing boat and the way the many layers of colour would respond to transmitted light.
The study allowed me to resolve the practical and visual challenges of the commission before committing to the large architectural panel. It therefore holds an important and direct connection to the completed chapel window.
Although much smaller than the installed work, the study is a complete artwork in its own right. Its more intimate scale brings the viewer close to the finely layered glass and the solitary boat resting within the shifting harbour light.
THE IMAGE AND ITS INSPIRATION
The original composition was influenced by artist Richard Pegg's interpretation of Langstone Harbour, used with their permission as an initial visual reference for the commissioned chapel window.
I adapted the scene in the study to make it more personal, replacing the original boat with one remembered from an overnight anchorage at Waiheke Island in New Zealand. It had been moored beside us in the harbour, and its quiet silhouette stayed with me.
This brings two different coastlines together within the work: the landscape and light of Langstone Harbour and a personal memory carried home from New Zealand.
MATERIALS AND MAKING
The panel is created from numerous individually made, micro-thin layers of fused glass.
Soft pinks, mauves, purples, pale blues, warm cream and flashes of orange have been built up gradually to create the impression of reflected light moving across water. The gold-bearing pink and purple glass gives the surface an especially rich and luminous quality.
Fine linework introduces the sailing boat, distant vessels, moorings and their reflections, grounding the flowing colour within the recognisable landscape of Langstone Harbour.
The glass has been kiln-fired to unite its many layers while retaining the small bubbles, textures and subtle colour changes that give the piece its distinctive character.
DISPLAY AND CONSTRUCTION
The glass panel is presented upright on a substantial bespoke granite base, individually selected to complement the colouring and character of the artwork. Polished chrome fittings hold the panel securely while allowing light to travel through the glass.
Display it near natural light to reveal the translucency and changing colour of the layered glass. As daylight changes, different areas of pink, violet, blue and gold become more prominent.
The sculpture can be placed on a windowsill, console table, shelf or mantelpiece, with sufficient space around it to appreciate both the panel and its granite base.
Approximate dimensions:
Glass study: 25 cm high × 14 cm wide
Bespoke granite base: 25 cm wide × 14 cm deep × 2 cm thick
As this is an entirely handmade piece, small bubbles, surface textures and natural variations within the glass are integral to the work and are not faults.
PROVENANCE
Langstone Harbour is the original working study for the commissioned 96 × 28 cm window installed at St Nicholas’ Chapel, Langstone.
It is a unique piece with a documented connection to a completed architectural commission and will not be reproduced.
The artwork will be supplied with a signed Certificate of Authenticity and a photograph of the completed chapel window, recording its history and provenance.
Designed and handmade by Jan Simpson in her West Sussex studio.
This listing is for the exact original study shown in the photographs. Only one is available.

Langstone Harbour Lights — Contemporary Fused-Glass Coastal Study

£750.00

Quantity

Each piece is individually handmade. Minor variations in colour, pattern, dimensions, texture and small bubbles or marks created during the glassmaking process are part of its individual character and are not faults.

Where a listing is for a one-of-a-kind piece, the customer will receive the exact item shown. Please be aware that transparent glass can appear different depending on the surrounding light, background and individual screen settings.
• For indoor decorative use only.

• Place the piece on a stable, level surface away from the edge of shelves, mantelpieces and windowsills.

• Always lift and move it by supporting the glass base. Do not lift it by the sail or chrome fitting.

• Clean gently using a soft duster or dry microfibre cloth.

• If necessary, apply a small amount of glass-cleaning polish to the cloth rather than spraying it directly onto the piece.

• Avoid saturating the chrome fitting, adhesive or bonded areas.

• Do not place in a dishwasher.

• Do not immerse or soak the piece or its handmade base in water.

• Do not use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads or harsh chemicals.

• Protect the glass from knocks, falls, direct heat and sudden temperature changes.

• This is a fragile decorative glass object and is not a toy. Keep it out of reach of young children and pets, taking particular care with detachable components and chrome fittings
I hope you will be delighted with your glass. If you change your mind about a ready-made piece purchased online, please contact me through the website within 14 days of receiving your order.

The item must then be returned within a further 14 days, undamaged and in its original condition.

For change-of-mind returns, the buyer is responsible for all return postage costs and for packaging the glass securely. Please reuse the original packaging wherever possible. A tracked and appropriately insured delivery service is strongly recommended, as the buyer remains responsible for the item until it is safely received.

Once the returned piece has been received and inspected, the purchase price and original standard delivery charge will be refunded using the original payment method. Any additional amount paid for express or enhanced delivery will not be refunded.

I reserve the right to make an appropriate deduction if the item has been handled beyond what is reasonably necessary to examine it, or if its value has been reduced through damage, use or inadequate return packaging.

PERSONALISED AND CUSTOM-MADE PIECES

Pieces personalised or made to an individual customer’s specification cannot be cancelled or returned because of a change of mind.

This does not affect your statutory rights if an item is faulty, damaged on arrival or not as described.

FAULTS AND TRANSIT DAMAGE

Every order is carefully inspected and securely packed before dispatch.

If your order arrives damaged, faulty or incorrect, please contact me as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours, and retain the item and all packaging. Photographs of the glass, internal packaging and outer box will help me resolve transit damage quickly.

Please do not return a damaged or faulty item before contacting me. If a return is required because the item is faulty, damaged on arrival or not as described, I will cover reasonable return postage costs and provide the appropriate repair, replacement or refund in accordance with your statutory rights.

The request to report transit damage promptly helps with courier claims and does not affect your statutory rights.

Langstone Harbour Lights — Contemporary Fused-Glass Coastal Study

HANDMADE CHARACTER

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

RETURNS AND CANCELLATIONS