Aptly named “The Old Garage”, Ceredigion now has an added feather to its bow, a stained glass supplier, retailer and tutors with workshop. At the Old Garage you can find anything you need in the world of stained glass, for amateur and professional. They stock handmade glass from all over the world alongside more traditional cathedral and coloured glasses.

Julie Farrington and Richard Sanders set up the business 6 months ago, after receiving an Objective 1 Enterprise Award. Richards’ background is in computing, with 25 years experience as an analyst and programmer, he met Julie and became hooked to her hobby of glassmaking. Julie said,

“It started off as something to do of an evening and as a hobby. Then Richard built a workshop in the kitchen and I started to sell pieces at work. It wasn’t until a throwaway comment was made one day when we had run out of glass that there wasn’t anyone in the area to get glass from, the nearest was 75 miles away, we decided we should open up our own glass supply shop. But jokes aside we really are the only supplier in this county now.”

Richard comments,

“We now do a lot of repairs for people and commissions. The most unusual request was for a yellow Landrover to be done in stained glass for an enthusiastic Landrover racer. We also provide courses, running throughout the year, for beginners and those wishing to improve their skills. Downstairs is a huge workshop; some of the work coming out of the courses is fantastic. We also hire out our facilities to artists.”Part of the centre is dedicated to the promotion and sale of craftwork by local artists including pottery, painting, furniture, woodturning, glass blowing, candles and soap as well as stained glass. For more details check out www.theoldgarage.co.uk or ring 01970 880900.