From Australia to Atelier Mestdagh: Hannah Gregory on Passion, Tradition, and the Future of Stained Glass Art

From Film studies and travelling to Glass: An Unconventional Start

Hannah Gregory brings a fresh and unique energy as one of the three designers within Atelier Mestdagh. With an unconventional background, transitioning from film studies, travelling to stained glass art, and from Australia to Belgium, she combines an international education with a deep passion for her craft. In this interview, Hannah shares her vision of stained glass art, her creative process, and how she harmoniously blends tradition and innovation in her work.

For Innovators and Dreamers

For architects and interior designers seeking a fresh perspective on stained glass art, Hannah’s story offers valuable insights. Her approach, where light, color, and line are as important as the glass itself, demonstrates that stained glass art is still evolving and embracing innovation.

Breathing New Life into an Ancient Craft

Atelier Mestdagh: From Australia to Belgium: How did your journey into stained glass art begin?

Hannah Gregory: “My journey didn’t start in a traditional way. I first studied film, but at 26, I had a real ‘lightbulb moment.’ I realized I wanted to create something tangible, something with my hands. Stained glass art felt like the perfect combination of functionality and beauty.”

“It was a very conscious decision to leave Australia and move to Europe to truly master this craft. Here in Belgium, I am fascinated by the long history and crafts tradition of stained glass, which predates the introduction of stained glass in Australia.”

The Magic of Light and Glass

Atelier Mestdagh: What drew you to stained glass art?

Hannah Gregory: “What’s fascinating is that stained glass art is such a unique collaboration with light. You work with a material that depends on its environment. Light is essentially a co-artist in your work. I love the balance between fragility and strength, and how lead lines in a design play not only a technical but also an aesthetic role. It’s a medium that constantly challenges you.”

Boundless Creativity in the Studio

Atelier Mestdagh: What makes your approach unique at Atelier Mestdagh?

Hannah Gregory: “I bring an international mix of techniques and ideas. During my training in Europe, Australia, UK, and across the USA I learned to paint, sandblast, and etch on glass. Here at Atelier Mestdagh, I have access to an extensive glass library and high-quality suppliers like Lamberts, which gives me even more creative possibilities. What I find special about the studio is the balance between tradition and innovation. The Belgian standard of craftsmanship is unparalleled.”

From Challenge to Masterpiece

Atelier Mestdagh: Can you give an example of a complex project you’ve worked on?

Hannah Gregory: “One of the most challenging assignments was a design with skulls for a home without natural light. That might sound macabre, but it was an amazing design puzzle. I used mirror glass and opal white to create reflections and manipulate light, along with sandblasting techniques to add depth and texture. The result was powerful and unexpected.”

The Creative Ritual

Atelier Mestdagh: How would you describe your design process?

Hannah Gregory: “My process always starts with a briefing. I listen to Liesbeth Colaert, the project manager for new work at Atelier Mestdagh, and the client, and try to understand what the space or interior needs. Then I look at the role of light and how it influences the composition. I make sketches and experiment with colors and techniques. Every project is different, but it’s always about balance and harmony.”

The Future of Glass Shines Bright

Atelier Mestdagh: How do you see the future of stained glass art?

Hannah Gregory: “I believe stained glass art hasn’t yet reached its peak. It has so much potential beyond traditional religious or institutional contexts. I want to make glass accessible to everyone, from public artworks to residential projects. It should embrace diversity and innovation. I also find it important to pass on my knowledge to the next generation, just as my mentors did for me.”

Quality as a foundation

Atelier Mestdagh: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in Belgium?

Hannah Gregory: “To embrace and accept tradition. In Australia, there’s more freedom to experiment, but here in Belgium, it is important to work within traditions in some way. Precision never has to stand in the way of creativity. It has definitely pushed me, and my work to a higher level.”

Worldly Influences

Atelier Mestdagh: How do you enrich Atelier Mestdagh with your international experience?

Hannah Gregory: “It’s a two-way exchange. I bring Australian dynamism and ideas, but I learn just as much from the studio. The multicultural environment here, with colleagues from Syria, Ukraine, the Netherlands, Germany and France, ensures a constant exchange of inspiration and techniques. It’s amazing to see how tradition and innovation can strengthen each other.”

Glass That Moves

Atelier Mestdagh: What do you want people to feel when they see your work?

Hannah Gregory: “I strive to create designs that are both calming and energizing. I want to surprise people, to show them that stained glass art can be more than what they’re used to. It’s a medium that continues to surprise and innovate.”

Stained Glass Art for the Future

Atelier Mestdagh: What are your dreams for the future?

Hannah Gregory:

“I want to make stained glass art accessible to everyone, as a form of public art that connects people. And I hope to one day pass on my knowledge to new generations, so this beautiful craft continues to thrive. Glass has a timeless beauty, and I want to show everyone how powerful it can be.”

Mastery Without Borders

Hannah Gregory’s story at Atelier Mestdagh shows that stained glass art is a vibrant and innovative medium, full of possibilities for the future. Her unique mix of international influences, creative approach, and respect for tradition makes her work at Atelier Mestdagh not only inspiring but also groundbreaking.

Interested in the realization of a stained glass project? Schedule an appointment. Atelier Mestdagh works tailored to designers, architects, interior designers, contractors … modern and classic.