Studio Tour: Glasscrafters, Bangalore

Nestled in the by-lanes of Indira Nagar is a studio named “Glasscrafters“. Glasscrafters was started by Asad Hajeebhoy originally in 1991 in Bombay, followed by a four year stint in Muscat, Oman,and finally at Bangalore in 1996.  A physicist by education, Asad pursued stained glass as a hobby to take it up full-time in 1996.

Contrary to most Indian interior decor sites, Glasscrafters is well-designed replete with product pictures, portfolio, and course and service offerings. But, I still prefer to visit any studio/store in person to feel the pulse of the place.

A brief chit-chat on last Wednesday evening with Asad on art of stained glass was an eye-opener for me.  Tucked away from the hustle-bustle of 80 feet road,  Asad’s studio-cum-home is a flurry of activity with clients walking in, a designer working on some new project, materials spewn around, and finally, Asad talking about his passion for stained glass totally unfazed by his surroundings.  He demystifies the common perception that stained glass art is painting done on glass. In reality, there is no painting. Stained glass works are actually different pieces of colored glasses joined together with a copper foil to create a jigsaw-like piece of work.

According to Asad, his business broke even within 3 months of starting. Initially, he got his assignments primarily through references. The fact that there were no suppliers of stained glass materials in India back then made it a challenge. Mainly people who lived abroad placed an order for a specific piece. They brought the glass and materials with them for Asad to create. Word spread and now Glasscrafters has a impressive portfolio of over 2,000 projects. 90% of them are residential including some well-known ones such as Rishi Kapoor’s Mumbai residence.

A wide ranged of glasses are used such as wavy, wispy, opalesecent for the swirls and streaks, cathedral, streaky, textured, baroque, antique, and jewel.

A decade later, things have changed for the better. Glasscrafters is now a stockist for Spectrum glass.  The amount of  work involved in making every piece is mind-boggling. So, there’s nothing called a bulk order. A single piece or 100 pieces, to create each piece, small pieces of different colored glasses will have to be cut individually and joined together.

The impact of this piece is stunning when illuminated.

To tell you the truth, I would love to feature Asad’s home on dress your home more than his studio. His spacious home on the first floor, above his studio, is tastefully decorated in earthen colors. Impressive works of art like stained glass windows, lampshades, mosaic in the kitchen wash area, and murals punctuate ordinary walls. The neat, well-maintained by home interspersed with tastefully crafted glass artifacts and mosaic pieces was a feast to the eyes. His modest home would put most of the homes featured in the glossies to shame.

Many of you must have seen the Opal clock series. This one is similar to that.

Now, on to my personal favorites:

How can stained glass fit into apartment design?

I know most of you would like to know why I chose Glasscrafters for the store tour series. Because stained glass need not be restricted to churches;  it is different and something that one doesn’t see too often in apartment interior designs. A stained glass lampshade in kitchen or a mosaic wash area I thought was a cool idea.  Or for that matter, one could get a small floral design done on the french window doors or a bedroom window to play with colors.  So, how about bringing home colors if you are moving into a new home?
If you are interested in learning stained glass art, then check out their comprehensive course offerings.

How to get there:

Address: 4th Cross Rd, Indira Nagar
Bangalore, Karnataka 560075
080 2528 5877