About Dr Cate Watkinson
I have 30 years of experience as an architectural glass artist, designing and fabricating architectural glass to commission for a wide variety of applications. During this period, I have been instrumental in developing the potential of glass in the public realm. My projects range from decorative glass panels for public and private buildings to street furniture and sculptural public art pieces.
Through commission experience, I have built up a wide range of innovative techniques and gained significant knowledge and experience working with glass on a large scale in the public realm, not only in aesthetic terms but also in the design of structure and durability of materials used. I have held the post of Subject Leader and Senior Lecturer in Architectural Glass since 2006.
Teaching and supervision
I am Programme Leader for MA Visual Practice and teach architectural glass and professional practice on BA (Hons) Artist Designer Maker: Glass and Ceramics.
I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Director of Studies to PhD and MPhil students.
Interests
- Architectural glass
- Public art
- Professional practice
- Historical and contemporary stained glass
Research
My research interests are concerned with the design and fabrication of architectural glass artworks for the public realm. I am interested in the sustainability agenda, creating new works using recycled glass and the incorporating photovoltaic cells and LED lights.
Over the years, I have built on my research experience, optimising the developments in new technologies, including new developments and techniques in construction.
I am interested in the exploration of practice-led research around several interrelated themes: light, environments, and processes. This includes the relationships between glass and the environment and ways of placing glass within different settings.
Areas of expertise
- Architectural glass in all its forms
- Public art sculpture
- Professional practice
- Consultancy: historical and contemporary stained glass
- Sustainability agenda
Further information
Visit my website watkinsonglass.com(opens in new tab).
I am a member of several committees outside of the University, including the Historic Churches Committee for Hexham and Newcastle Diocese.