There is something quietly spellbinding about Hinterglasmalerei — reverse glass painting — as though light itself were being coaxed into new stories. In Helen Brough’s latest body of work, oil paint and delicate gold leaf find their home on the hidden face of glass, creating compositions that glow softly from within. This modern interpretation of an age-old craft becomes a luminous poem, suspended between tradition and the present.
A Technique Rooted in History
Hinterglasmalerei has a long and storied history, dating back to 16th‑century Europe. Its origins lie in devotional art — particularly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland — where masters painted delicate religious icons and altarpieces on glass, protecting their images behind a crystalline surface. As centuries passed, the technique spread and evolved, but these central European countries remain closely associated with its heritage.
Today, artists around the world—from the UK to the United States and beyond—are rediscovering this rare medium. Helen Brough is among them, transforming the craft into contemporary glass art with her own visionary voice. Through her work, she carries forward a lineage that bridges European tradition and modern aesthetics.
The Alchemy of Oil, Gold Leaf, and Glass
In her reverse glass paintings, Helen applies translucent layers of oil paint in reverse order—starting with the highlights—and finishes with ultra-fine gold leaf on the final layer. The process demands precision, patience, and a deep respect for the glass surface. When light hits these paintings, it dances through the glass, refracting off the golden leaf to create a subtle, luxurious shimmer. The result is not just a painting, but a delicate interplay of material and light.
The Resonance in Contemporary Galleries
As contemporary art evolves, so does the audience for this rare glass technique. Galleries known for their commitment to modern and experimental glass work—and those with a prestigious standing in the art world—are beginning to take note. Renowned spaces such as David Zwirner and Victoria Miro increasingly spotlight artists who blend tradition with innovation. In New York City, where the contemporary glass art scene is thriving, collectors and curators alike are drawn to the radiant, sculptural quality of reverse glass paintings.
Helen Brough’s Hinterglasmalerei pieces are not just decorative objects — they are luminous conversations between craftsmanship, history, and contemporary vision. They resonate in gallery spaces that celebrate material innovation and artistic lineage.
A Special Invitation: Cockpit Winter Open Studios
We are delighted to share that Helen Brough will be participating in Cockpit’s Winter Open Studios in Bloomsbury, taking place from 27–30 November 2025.
Dates & Times:
VIP Preview: Thursday, 27 November, 2 pm–9 pm
Friday 28 – Sunday 30 November: 12 pm–6 pm daily
Location: Cockpit Bloomsbury Studio, Cockpit Yard, Northington Street, London, WC1N 2NP
Tickets: Starting from about £8 (concessions available)
Please get in touch as there are a few free VIP tickets available
This open-studio event is a rare chance to see behind the scenes: wander through the maker’s studios, meet the artist, and experience the delicate glow of the reverse glass paintings in person.
