Antonio Javier Salgado

Stained glass maker

A devotion to light and colour

Antonio transforms sacred and secular spaces with stained glass compositions
He preserves this endangered craft and resists the standardisation of mass production
His practice carries the legacy of his father, Spanish master José Salgado

Trained in his family's workshop, Antonio Javier Salgado learned his craft from his glazier father José Salgado and goldsmith Fernando Marmolejo, who instilled in him a deep respect for both secular and religious artworks. In 1994, with his wife's support, Antonio opened his own studio to continue his father's legacy. "Stained glass windows are crafted with both artistry and passion. Without these, the windows would be impossible to create. Stained glass windows transform light into a kind of evangelising force,” says Antonio. Skilled in design, drawing and glass making, he produces and restores original works of art, blending 17th-century stained glass techniques with more modern practices such as silvering and hydrofluoric acid engraving. "I am committed to preserving the handmade nature of my craft, which is threatened by the harmful trend of mass-produced, prefabricated templates," Antonio explains.

Interview

What did you learn from your mentors?: The most important lesson I learned was how to appreciate and treat works of art properly – with humility and admiration. I chose this craft simply because of my deep love of art. My involvement with sacred art began when I was a child, and I have always found that my most notable works are religious pieces.
How would you define the work you do today?: I would describe it as a handmade creation process using traditional techniques on one-of-a-kind designs. This uniqueness stems from the fact that I never produce the same design twice. Every piece in my workshop is crafted entirely by hand from start to finish.
How would you describe your artistic approach?: My work does not belong to a single artistic movement. I am inspired by Baroque art and contemporary trends, combining 17th-century stained-glass painting techniques, such as grisaille and vitrifiable colours, with modern styles. My creative process begins in the solitude of my studio, where inspiration guides my work.
What challenges does the future of this profession face?: There is little accessible training. Currently, only the University of León in Spain offers specialised courses, so stained glass making risks disappearing. We must emphasise the true value of handmade stained glass compared to factory-made templates and revive local training to secure its future.

Antonio Javier Salgado is a master artisan: he began his career in 1982 and he started teaching in 2015