Community Projects
Collaborating with various groups across Scotland to uncover and celebrate often-overlooked narratives. From working-class heritage to the stories of marginalized communities, the studio uses stained glass to bring these histories to life.
Workshops are a cornerstone of our work, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds to learn the craft of stained glass. Through these hands-on experiences, participants connect with the history and heritage being represented in the artwork.
Installed into community centres, libraries, or schools—they act as windows into the past, offering a fresh perspective on histories that deserve to be illuminated.
Drumchapel
These panels were amongst the winning designs of a competition held for the local children of Drumchapel, Glasgow, by Impact Arts and DRAW for a local housing development. The windows depicted the history of Drumchapel. Demonstrations were held for the pupils at the schools involved, letting them cut glass and see the process from their designs to the construction of the final pieces.
Govanhill Library
The Diversity Project (a collaboration with local community groups and school kids from Hollybrook Academy, led by Keira McLean) created a display of stained-glass windows which tells the story of local people and is on permanent display at Govanhill Library. Part of the Glasgow Libraries Window trail and Radical History Walking Tours.
John Maclean 100th Anniversary
Working with biographers, poets and musicians, Keira developed and made a John Maclean commemorative stained glass window for Pollokshaws Library, Glasgow. Unveiled on the 100th anniversary of his death, John Maclean died of pneumonia at the age of 44, his body weakened by state barbarism and enforced poverty. One of his last acts of kindness was to give his coat to a friend. "We are out for life and all that life can give us". Part of the Glasgow Libraries Window Trail.
Stuart Christie
A stained glass window to commemorate Stuart Christie (1946-2020) for the Christie Library at the MayDay Rooms, London. The collection includes a range of political and historical texts, with a special focus on politics and antifascism in Spain from the Spanish Civil War until the end of Franco. When aged 18, Christie was arrested while carrying explosives to assassinate the Spanish caudillo, General Francisco Franco. The window was made in collaboration with the friends of Stuart and glass artist Keira Mclean.
Jessie Soga & Helen Crawfurd Suffragette Window
Suffragette Window at Woodside Library, Glasgow. A collaborative project made by
Keira McLean with the kids of Townhead at Simy Community Development and with reference to work by
Protests and Suffragettes (working to recover women’s voices and stories, focusing on historical activism in Scotland.) For Glasgow City Council.
Talbot Association
A fused glass window made and installed at Buchanan Lodge for the Talbot Association, Cassiltoun HA, Impact Arts and Anderson Bell Christie Architects. Design collaboration by residents of the lodge and Impact Arts. Glasgow.
Miners Strike 40th Anniversary
“Dedicated to the miners and families that fought not just for ‘the pit’ but for their communities. Forced back, defiant, unbowed, unrepentant till the end." A commemorative window of the 1984-1985 Miner's Strike. Kincardine library. Fife. Made by the local community and Keira Mclean. "Collage is a great way of designing a collaborative window. Using our research and group chats I start collaging motifs, images and text, the group then responds to my initial blueprint and we continue this back and forth until the window is finished. It’s an exciting process as the window slowly reveals itself! I really like working this way" KM
With support from WEA - Adult Learning, Within Reach and Kincardine Community Council.
ruchill and maryhill
These stained glass windows were designed by the children of Ruchill and Maryhill, Glasgow. For new homes by Maryhill Housing Association with support from Communities Scotland, Glasgow City Council and Impact Arts. Opened by Johann Lamont, Deputy Minister of Communities in June 2005.
The designs were based on the local history and landmarks of Ruchill, Maryhill and Glasgow.
St. Fergus primary school
The pupils at St.Fergus Primary School in Paisley held a competition to design a stained glass window which takes pride of place within the reception for their new School. Great fun trying to keep the window as close to their original design as possible! Paisley, Scotland. Clark Contracts
Shettleston fused glass wall sculpture
One of two street wall sculptures of fused glass Virginia Creeper leaves and steel. Working with the Gorbals Art Project . "Projects are developed from workshops with local groups where the design process is worked through from beginning to end. The final designs are then taken and a piece of public art is produced based on the designs produced by the community." Liz Peden. Glasgow.