AN award-winning stained-glass artist is opening his own academy — making Bolton a centre of excellence for the artform.

Andrew Seddon, managing director of Classical Glass in St Helens Road, has won an award for training apprentices in the Country Living Magazine’s Balvenie Artisans Awards — the Oscars of the craft world.

Now he plans to open an academy to run short courses teaching people interested in taking it up as a hobby.

Mr Seddon, aged 44, former engineer, is self-taught and started an apprenticeship programme after the difficulties he faced learning the art.

He said: “I started the business in 1991 and took on my first apprentice about 15 years ago.

“I worked at British Aerospace as an engineer and took up stained glass as a hobby. I decided to have a career change because I have a passion for art.

“I could not find anywhere to take on an apprentice, so I taught myself and then started an apprenticeship programme.

“It takes about a year to learn the art fully, but I recognise there are people who don’t have that much time to dedicate but would enjoy a short course.”

The academy is believed to be the first of its kind.

Mr Seddon said: “The vision is to make crafts more popular, and in these uncertain times I would like to see a return to the joy of making presents for loved ones, which will save money and be much nicer to receive.

“While other industries have seen a downturn, our business has remained stable.”

The company makes stained glass windows for churches, schools, hotels, and private homes.

Recently, the firm has made pieces for Emmanuel Church in Deane, Leverhulme Primary School in Breightmet, St William of York Primary School in Great Lever and restored stained glass windows at Bolton Parish Church in Churchgate.

The courses will include traditional stained glass windows, fuse glass jewellery and paint on glass.

Prices are from £35 for a half day, including materials, and the courses will start in the next few weeks.

For more information, contact Mr Seddon on 01204 656382