Bespoke Glass Light Commission Inspired by an Historic Building on the Isle of Skye
This recent bespoke glass light commission was created for a private collector who had recently acquired an historic building on the Isle of Skye, Hebrides, Scotland. Using a photograph of the building as the starting point, the piece translates architectural detail, atmosphere, and sense of place into a one-of-a-kind contemporary glass light.
The commission demonstrates how custom glass lighting can respond directly to architecture, landscape, and personal narrative. Designed to sit in dialogue with the building itself, the glass light becomes both a sculptural artwork and an architectural element, making it particularly relevant for architects, interior designers, heritage property owners, and collectors seeking site-specific commissions.
Glass interacts uniquely with light, space, and structure. In this project, the muted stone of the building, shifting Hebridean skies, and surrounding landscape informed the colour, layering, and luminosity of the glass. The result is a work that enhances atmosphere while remaining deeply connected to its architectural context.
Each bespoke commission is developed through close collaboration and can respond to photographs, architectural drawings, lighting plans, or site visits. I create bespoke glass lights and sculptural glass artworks for private residences, heritage restorations, contemporary new builds, and architectural projects in the UK and internationally.
Enquiries for custom glass art and lighting commissions are welcome.
Spectroscopic Continuum: Contemporary Glass Light Boxes
The Spectroscopic Continuum series is a body of contemporary glass light boxes exploring the relationship between light, colour and perception. Inspired by spectroscopic imaging and scientific research, each work is constructed from painted and fired glass, layered to create depth and optical movement when illuminated.
Light functions as both material and subject, placing the series within current conversations around light-based contemporary art, conceptual abstraction and sculptural installation. Each piece operates as a luminous object that subtly shifts as the viewer moves through space.
Contemporary Glass Art in London
London is a leading centre for contemporary glass art, with galleries such as Vessel Gallery supporting innovative, material-led practices. The Spectroscopic Continuum aligns with this approach, presenting glass as a conceptual and sculptural medium rather than a decorative one.
These glass light boxes are suited to contemporary art galleries, curated exhibitions, architectural interiors and private collections.
Available Works & Shop
Selected works from the Spectroscopic Continuum series are currently available to purchase and can be viewed in my online shop.
👉 View the Spectroscopic Continuum works for sale
The series is of interest to:
Contemporary art collectors
London glass galleries
Curators working with light and sculpture
Interior designers seeking bespoke illuminated artworks
Commissions and site-specific works are also available.
Discover Helen Brough’s Contemporary Glass Art at Cockpit Winter Open Studios
Collectors of contemporary art, contemporary glass, interior designers seeking bespoke artwork, and enthusiasts of modern glass painting are invited to experience the luminous world of Helen Brough at Cockpit’s Winter Open Studios, taking place 27–30 November 2025 in Bloomsbury, London.
Helen Brough is internationally recognized for her Hinterglasmalerei, or reverse glass painting, using oil paint and gold leaf to create stunning, contemporary glass paintings. Each piece is meticulously layered to produce exceptional depth, luminosity, and texture, making it ideal for private collectors, contemporary art galleries, or interior design projects seeking bespoke glass commissions.
Cockpit’s Winter Open Studios provides a unique opportunity to:
Meet Helen Brough and view her original contemporary glass artwork.
Commission bespoke contemporary glass paintings for private collections, luxury interiors, or corporate spaces.
Explore her Hinterglasmalerei series, perfect for collectors of modern glass art and lovers of innovative contemporary art techniques.
Event Details:
VIP Preview: Thursday, 27 November, 2 pm–9 pm
Public Access: Friday 28 – Sunday 30 November, 12 pm–6 pm
Location: Cockpit Bloomsbury Studio, Cockpit Yard, Northington Street, London, WC1N 2NP
Tickets: From £8 (concessions available)
Helen Brough’s contemporary reverse glass paintings combine the precision of traditional Hinterglasmalerei with modern aesthetics, creating bespoke glass art that is highly sought after by contemporary art collectors, interior designers, and galleries specializing in glass and mixed media. Whether commissioning a unique work for a private residence, designing an immersive interior space, or acquiring pieces for a gallery collection, her work represents the perfect fusion of historic craft and contemporary design.
Explore Helen Brough’s full portfolio, learn about bespoke glass commissions, and discover upcoming exhibitions on helenbrough.com. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to view her contemporary glass paintings in person and experience the captivating glow of modern Hinterglasmalerei.
Illuminated Whispers: Hinterglasmalerei and Helen Brough’s Winter Invitation
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.
Helen Brough: Emulated Flora – Large-Scale Installation in Brooklyn’s DUMBO Art Scene, Now Available for Collectors
Twenty years ago, I created Emulated Flora, a large-scale installation at 70 Washington Street in DUMBO, Brooklyn, at a time when the neighborhood was just beginning its transformation into a major art district. The project was documented by photographer Etienne Fro and remains one of the most defining works in my career.
Emulated Flora brought together sculptural forms, layered light, and organic imagery to create an immersive environment. Assisted by Dan during the installation, I designed the work to explore the relationship between natural growth and man-made structure, a theme that has continued to shape my practice. The scale of the installation invited viewers to physically enter the work, surrounding them in shifting layers of light and form — an experience that blurred the boundary between sculpture, architecture, and environment.
Although Emulated Flora was deinstalled earlier this year, the work is now available for acquisition, offering an extraordinary opportunity for collectors, museums, or contemporary galleries to bring this landmark piece into a new home. Its scale and transformative presence make it ideal for institutions or collections invested in immersive and innovative installation art.
This work resonates strongly with the type of artists represented by world-renowned galleries such as David Zwirner, Victoria Miro, and Gagosian, who continue to champion large-scale installation, light-based sculpture, and experimental practices. In dialogue with artists who transform space — from James Turrell’s luminous environments to Yayoi Kusama’s infinity rooms — Emulated Flora embodies that same spirit of immersion, offering viewers a sense of wonder, reflection, and renewal.
For collectors searching for large-scale contemporary installation art for sale, or galleries seeking immersive sculpture by a British contemporary artist, Emulated Flora is both an artwork and an environment. It represents a pivotal moment in the Brooklyn art scene and stands as a touchstone in my ongoing exploration of light, perception, and layered form.
As my practice continues to evolve internationally, I look forward to seeing Emulated Flora find its next home — a space where it can once again engage audiences, transform architecture, and inspire new conversations.
Summer Studio Sale – Final Days to Collect
It’s been a wonderfully full and creative 12 months — with exhibitions, commissions, and the chance to connect with collectors and viewers across London and beyond. As I take a pause for summer, I wanted to offer something special to those who’ve followed my work, visited shows, or quietly admired from afar.
From now until Friday 25 July, I’m offering 50% off all available artworks — paintings and drawings spanning recent collections and earlier pieces rarely seen outside the studio. This is a short and heartfelt opportunity to acquire a work you’ve perhaps been considering, or to begin collecting.
Whether you’re drawn to the luminous skies, phantastical forests, or sculptural forms in oil on aluminium, each piece in this collection holds hours of making, reflection, and care.
To access the sale, simply enter the code SUMMERSALE25 at checkout. You can browse all available works via the Shop page.
This isn’t just a sale — it’s an invitation to take something meaningful home. I believe in the energy art brings into a space, and if a piece has stayed with you, I hope now is the time to make it yours.
With thanks for your support, and wishing you a bright and peaceful summer.
— Helen
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Grayson Perry at the Wallace Collection & Reflections on Making
I was lucky enough to catch Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur at the Wallace Collection — a truly powerful exhibition that lingers in the mind long after leaving the gallery.
This landmark show features over 40 new works by the Turner Prize-winning British artist, including ceramics, tapestries, and works on paper. It’s the largest contemporary exhibition ever hosted by the Wallace Collection, and Perry’s pieces are thoughtfully displayed alongside the museum’s historic treasures — creating a fascinating dialogue between past and present.
The show delves into the nature of making, questioning the drive for perfectionism, and placing handcrafted objects next to works created using digital technology. As an artist working in both traditional and innovative materials, I found this tension between process and product especially thought-provoking. Perry invites us to reflect on what constitutes authenticity and how artists position themselves in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape.
The exhibition also highlights ‘outsider art’ with works by Madge Gill and Aloïse Corbaz. Gill’s inclusion is particularly poignant, as she exhibited at the Wallace Collection back in 1942. Her presence in the show adds a personal, historical dimension that clearly resonates with Perry’s own journey — including reflections on his childhood and the boundaries of belonging in the art world.
For artists and collectors alike, this exhibition is a reminder of the power of craft, the role of narrative, and the freedom that comes from embracing imperfection. It’s a bold and deeply human show — well worth a visit.
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Highgate Festival openings
Experience Contemporary Art at Highgate Festival – Two Exciting Exhibitions Featuring Helen Brough
I’m thrilled to be part of this year’s Highgate Festival, showcasing my recent contemporary paintings in two fantastic venues in North London.
🎨 Daytime Exhibition:
Visit me at the Riverstone Living Hub, located at Hampstead Lane, N6 4RS, where a selection of my newest paintings will be on display. The exhibition opens today from 11am to 6pm with refreshments served throughout the day and tomorrow. Enjoy an inspiring atmosphere and discover vibrant, atmospheric works created in oil on aluminum.
🖼️ Evening Group Show:
Later this evening, join me at Both Gallery for an exciting group exhibition featuring 10 incredible female artists. The opening night is from 6–8pm, offering a unique opportunity to explore diverse artistic voices within a powerful collective. Expect bold, imaginative works that reflect the spirit of contemporary art in London.
Whether you’re an art collector, interior designer, or simply passionate about art, these exhibitions are not to be missed. Come and be part of the creative buzz at Highgate Festival 2025—I’d love to see you there!
#HighgateFestival #ContemporaryArtLondon #HelenBrough #LondonArtScene #NorthLondonArt #HighgateArt #ArtCollectorsUK #ArtExhibitionLondon #FemaleArtists #HampsteadArt #RiverstoneLiving #BothGallery #HighgateEvents #ArtInLondon
Crouch End Open Studios June 7-8th 12-6 pm Each Day
Discover Unique Oil Paintings and Drawings at Crouch End Open Studios – June 7–8, 2025
Art collectors in North London and Greater London — mark your calendars! This weekend, Crouch End Open Studios returns with a vibrant trail of creativity, featuring over 60 artists opening their studio doors to the public. It's your chance to explore and collect exceptional original artwork directly from the artists who make it.
I’ll be showcasing my latest oil paintings and drawings at Venue 3, open 12–6 PM on Saturday and Sunday, June 7–8. If you’re seeking contemporary art in North London, this is the perfect opportunity to discover new work that blends expressive technique with luminous color, abstracted nature, and dreamlike form.
Set in the heart of Crouch End, this free art event invites visitors to engage with artists in their own creative spaces — a rare and intimate experience for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re looking to invest in original oil paintings or add compelling works on paper to your collection, you’ll find a diverse range of styles and voices.
I’m particularly excited to share new works from my Phantastical Landscape series, where natural forms meet vibrant color and emotion. These pieces are ideal for collectors looking for something distinctive, contemporary, and deeply personal.
For a full map of the trail and details on participating artists, visit: https://crouchendopenstudios.org.uk
Join me at Venue 3 and experience the energy of one of North London’s most anticipated art events. Let’s talk art, inspiration — and perhaps find the next piece for your collection.
#CrouchEndOpenStudios #NorthLondonArt #OilPaintingLondon #LondonArtCollectors #ContemporaryArt #ArtInCrouchEnd #OpenStudiosLondon #HelenBroughArt
Cockpit Open Studios June 5th VIP event
Glass Roundels and glass sculptures at the Open studios Cockpit Bloomsbury
Discover the Evolution of Contemporary Glass Sculpture at Cockpit Studios in Bloomsbury
For collectors and art enthusiasts passionate about contemporary glass, the world of innovative glass sculpture is constantly evolving. This week, I’m excited to present my latest series of glass sculptures at Cockpit Studios in Bloomsbury, one of London’s most vibrant creative hubs. The sculptures will be on view during an exclusive VIP opening on Thursday evening, where guests can engage directly with the work in an intimate setting.
My new series explores the boundaries of traditional glassmaking, blending time-honored techniques with contemporary aesthetics. Each piece embodies the fluidity and complexity of glass as a medium, inviting the viewer to experience both fragility and strength in a single form. This collection is a continuation of my exploration into texture, form, and color, and I believe it’s a natural evolution for those familiar with cutting-edge glass art movements.
For contemporary glass collectors in London and New York, this show is not to be missed. Glass enthusiasts from all over the world flock to major art hubs like David Zwirner Gallery in New York, known for showcasing groundbreaking artists who push the boundaries of their media. Similarly, London Glass Blowing Gallery in Bermondsey has become a mecca for modern glass art, and this new collection will find resonance with those seeking fresh, innovative works that push the limits of traditional glass design.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, Cockpit Studios offers an unparalleled opportunity to acquire one-of-a-kind glass sculptures that embody both craftsmanship and cutting-edge artistry.
Join us on Thursday for a memorable evening of glass art and conversation. A few VIP tickets are still available—don’t miss your chance to experience these unique pieces up close.
Cockpit Edit
@CockpitStudios 💫 The Cockpit Edit: An Exhibition of Leading and Next Generation Makers. 💫
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Over 185+ incredible objects across more than 20 craft disciplines — exclusively available to purchase during @LondonCraftWeek.
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Date: 13-16 May 2025
Time: 12-6 pm (late opening Thursday until 8pm)
Location: Cockpit Bloomsbury
Tickets: Free / £12.50 demos
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Learn more and book your ticket via the link in @CockpitStudios bio.
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#TheCockpitEdit #MadeAtCockpit #LondonCraftWeek
