A play of sunlight and colours
- Béatrice restores stained glass pieces and creates her own
- Some of her stained glass windows were interpreted from drawings made by her sister
- Her first roof restoration project was that of the Montreux Palace Hotel
While working with a glass maker, Béatrice Binétruy decided to shift her career from illustration and web design to stained glass making. In her own studio, Atelier Vitrail, she mixes traditional techniques, such as the Tiffany technique, and modern laser engraving and serigraphs. "When sunshine passes through stained glass, it blows colourful life into its space," she says. Béatrice works on restoration and original pieces, and holds workshops to pass on her knowledge to interested creatives. "The scarcity of vacancies makes working as a stained glass maker a rare opportunity in Switzerland. Nevertheless, I am happy to see a real comeback in people's interest for authenticity and handmade objects," she explains.
Interview
- How would you define your craft?
- I play with colours and light. When sunrays run through stained glass, they bring it to life with coloured projections. They inhabit every room they enter in an ever moving way.
- What is something people do not know about stained glass making?
- I do not only work on churches! Although strongly connected to churches and cathedrals, stained glass is actually everywhere, and could be anywhere as well. The possibilities of creation with it are infinite.
- What is a memorable moment from your journey?
- My first roof restoration was that of the Montreux Palace Hotel. I was six metres above ground on a small platform, and the structure would tremble with any move I made. To top it all off, I was working with my head upside down. It was quite the memorable experience!
- Do you have any advice for creatives interested in your craft?
- I would advise them to visit a few ateliers to see the reality of the practice. If they wish to become professionals, they have to draw a concrete plan to achieve their goals. Stained glass making jobs are rare, and being self-employed is hard work.
Béatrice Binétruy is a rising star: she began her career in 2020 and she started teaching in 2024
Where
Béatrice Binétruy
