Meeting with Clotilde Gontel and Aurélie Dupin

Could you explain to us what the work of a master glassmaker consists of?

In our workshop, we create and restore stained glass windows to adorn public and private buildings. To raise public awareness of glass heritage, we have also developed educational workshops for cultural centers and schools.

How did you become Master Glassmakers, what is your background?

After graduating from high school, we continued our studies together in Paris, earning a two-year Diploma in Stained Glass Arts. Aurélie then pursued further training at the Munich Academy of Fine Arts, and upon returning to France, she joined a workshop in Marseille. Clotilde gained experience working with professionals in France, Brazil, and Spain before establishing her own business in 2009, first in Béziers and then in Sommières. Almost 20 years after we met, we are finally realizing our dream by combining our expertise in the same workshop!

Why did you come to settle here in the Cévennes?

We arrived here in 2020. Having settled in the south of France, we were looking for a place between the Gard and Hérault departments. We landed in Le Vigan somewhat by chance, and it felt like the perfect fit. We visited a few places, and it was here, in the former Hôtel Maurice in Pont d'Hérault, that we found the ideal location for our business.

Could you explain the steps involved in creating and restoring stained glass windows?

For the creation process, we start with the client's vision. We visit the site to understand their desires, assess the lighting, and take measurements. In our workshop, we create models, and after approval, we proceed with the actual production: enlarging the model to a full scale, coloring the glass, cutting the glass, adding decoration through painting, sandblasting, or thermoforming, and then assembling it with lead came. We install the stained glass at the client's home, and it is there, finally, that we see the finished piece. To ensure the longevity of stained glass windows, they need restoration every 100 to 150 years. Depending on their condition, we clean them, dismantle them, and try to preserve as many of the original pieces as possible. Sometimes we have to replace an old piece that is too damaged with an identical replica. We glue broken pieces that can be repaired or use the Tiffany technique. Finally, we reassemble the stained glass window and return to the site to reinstall it.

Where can we see your work?

In the area, we created the four stained-glass windows for the Conqueyrac chapel and one for the church of St. Bresson. We restored stained-glass windows for the church of Notre Dame de la Gardiole, the sanctuary of Notre Dame du Suc in Brissac, and also for the small church in Moulès-et-Baucels. We were fortunate enough to restore one of the bays in the Reformed Church in Marseille. Our next project is in Mayenne, where we will create all the stained-glass windows for the nave and an oculus.

How can we meet you? Do you run workshops?

We receive visitors at the workshop by appointment only, as we are often either on-site or focused on our work. You can also contact us to schedule a discovery workshop or visit our website to stay up-to-date with our latest news.