Competition entrants are required to design a series of three back-lit windows for the RAC for installation in its gentlemen’s toilets, drawing inspiration from the Club’s iconic place in the history of motoring; and in keeping with the design and decoration of the Pall Mall Clubhouse which, while moving with the times, has always embraced its heritage. In designing for a lavatory, Competition entrants will be referencing a notable tradition of palatial splendour in the decoration of these temples of improved sanitation, comfort and public health.
The Royal Automobile Club was formed by Frederick Simms in 1897. Originally called the Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland, the Club was awarded a royal warrant by King Edward V11 in 1907, thus changing the name to The Royal Automobile Club. The Club is the oldest motoring organisation in the United Kingdom and the second oldest in the world after the Automobile Club de France. Today, The Royal Automobile Club has a wide range of activities and events for a diverse & inclusive range of international members, fitting for an institution known as ‘the UK spiritual home of motoring.’
The Chairman of the Glaziers’ Company Craft & Competitions Committee, Andy Lane, said: “I am immensely grateful to the Royal Automobile Club for partnering with us this year. This novel brief will enable entrants to demonstrate their skill and creativity for an iconic London landmark building. We’d like to encourage as many student and new architectural glass artists and designers to enter as possible.”
Michael Holman, the Stevens Awards Scheme Co-ordinator explained: “The designs of the windows should reflect the Club’s celebrated history and continuing involvement in the world of motoring today. Entrants should not feel diffident about the unusual nature of the location. Here is a unique opportunity to create a design to enhance the ambience of the Club which will stand the test of time.”
Arrangements have been made for all Competition entrants to visit the Royal Automobile Club and survey the intended location for the installation. Full details are given in the Competition Brief: http://www.worshipfulglaziers.com/?page_id=3147.
The Stevens Competition entries will be judged by a distinguished panel of glass artists and designers. The Royal Automobile Club has confirmed that funds are available to realise the winning design. The final decision about which of the entrants, if any, will receive the design commission rests entirely with the Royal Automobile Club.
The closing date for receipt of entries is: Thursday 30th March 2017 at 5.00pm.
The winners will be announced at a prize-giving ceremony at Glaziers Hall, for the Stevens Competition and other awards, in London on Thursday 25th May 2017.
More information about the RAC and its Pall Mall Club House can be found at: https://www.royalautomobileclub.co.uk/.
The Glaziers Company
The Glaziers Company is one of the City of London’s medieval Livery Companies, or craft guilds. The history of the Worshipful Company of Glaziers and Painters of Glass dates back to 1328. It was incorporated by Royal Charter and granted Livery in 1638. Its present Master is Duncan Gee. The Glaziers Company is home to the Glaziers Foundation (registered charity number 1143700). One of its primary charitable objectives is to support education and training in the art and craft of stained glass and architectural glass. The Stevens Competition is designed to give student and new glass artists unrivalled experience of a design and fabrication commission process and has been in operation since 1972.
The Glaziers’ Foundation has recently initiated a successful apprentice scheme. The charity also supports and makes grants towards the restoration and preservation of important stained glass windows in public buildings in the UK. It is responsible for the London Stained Glass Repository and other awards for new artists and conservators.
THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF GLAZIERS & PAINTERS OF GLASS
Glaziers Hall
9 Montague Close
London SE1 9DD
http://www.worshipfulglaziers.com/
