For almost 50 years the Glaziers’ Company has run the Stevens Competition to provide an opportunity for aspiring architectural glass designers and craftsmen to develop a design, fabricate a sample panel to illustrate the design, have it assessed by experts in the field and compete for a range of prizes. For one contestant a commission to fabricate and install their design could result.

This year’s competition is for the design of an architectural glass commemorative screen for the main reception of the Senior School here at Habs Girls. The screen will be dedicated to the memory of Mrs Penelope Penney, Headmistress between 1991 and 2005, and will reflect her energy, love of life and sense of adventure. Mrs Penney was an inspirational Head who believed passionately in the idea of strong, confident women, instilling her values of intelligence, integrity, individuality, innovation and initiative in all who attended the School.

The Competition is open to designers who have started training and their vocation in glass since September 2013. All entrants are given the choice of having their work exhibited to the public at the Stained Glass Museum at Ely; the home of the national stained glass collection.

There is a section of the competition and prize which is part of the “Lord Mayor Reflects” activities which encourages students and apprentices in the 16 to 24 age group to submit a design for judging (a sample glass panel is not required for this section).