Renaissance Glassworks Inc.

Put the joy back in winter with the simple beauty of cut glass

It takes a team to run a successful glass shop for 33 years. Mark and Kathleen Frank have produced everything from window ornaments and sculptural pieces to keepsake boxes in their riverside studio in Nashua.

Kathleen does the designing and Mark sets up the templates and completes the cutting and soldering. The heart of their work is custom design in a variety of applications, including cabinet fronts, sidelights on doors and window replacement. “We solve privacy issues,” says Mark. One of the more unique applications is customized funeral urns for ashes that are built to the right size and given a personal touch in the design.

Mark is an expert on stained glass conservation and restoration — historic pieces can be spotted in the shop as works-in-progress. The couple also offer classes on stained glass design and sell materials and instructional books. Mark says, “It is a technical skill and takes practice to master.” Their own work shows mastery of the curve.

The shop is open from Tuesday through Saturday or by chance or appointment. Their work is also available at Vessels & Jewels in New London, Exeter Fine Crafts and Tates Gallery in New Boston. They are League of New Hampshire Craftsmen members and exhibit at the Sunapee Fair each August.