Helen Whittaker has been the artist / designer at Barley Studio since 1998. The company was founded in York in 1973 by Keith Barley FMGP ACR with the aim of attaining the highest standards in the art and craft of stained glass conservation and creation.
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Barley Studio has undertaken many stained glass conservation projects, as well as designing and creating new commissions for cathedrals, churches and historic houses. The studio specialises in the conservation and restoration of historic stained glass; window support systems and opening casements; the manufacture and fixing of stainless steel wire guards; the supply of conservation sheet and antique glasses and consultation surveys and reports.
Keith Barley pioneered the now widely-adopted system of Environmental Protective Glazing (also known as Isothermal Glazing). This system of glazing preserves stained glass in as near museum conditions as can be achieved within the architectural setting. Barley Studio's team of expertly trained conservators has been responsible for the conservation and environmental protection of many windows throughout the United Kingdom.
Restoration painting is carried out by Helen Whittaker, who is also responsible for new commissions. Barley Studio's ethos combines the best of traditional and contemporary methods, ensuring that all new work is in harmony with the existing architectural and cultural context.