Diego Tolomelli, Stained Glass Artist
Born in Pavia in 1974, Diego Tolomelli stained glass artist, began his artistic career after completing his studies as a surveyor, choosing to follow his passion for art. Fascinated by the world of stained glass, he initially trained in a workshop, where he learned the copper foil technique. His early works, including decorative panels and glass art objects, enabled him to refine his skills and secure his first commissions from friends and family.
London and the experience in the prestigious stained glass studios
In 1998, Diego moved to London, where he began selling his glass creations at the famous Portobello Market, while at the same learning English.
In 2000 he was employed by the historic studio, John Hardman Studios, founded in 1838, one of the most important studio for the creation of liturgical furnishings for the Gothic Catholic churches of the United Kingdom. Initially engaged in basic tasks, such as cementing stained glass windows, Diego quickly distinguished himself for his skills. He was soon entrusted with more complex tasks, such as cutting the glass and assembling the leaded windows. During this period, he discovered the technique of grisaille glass painting, which became the heart of his artistic passion.
In 2005 he joined the team at Norgrove Studios in Redditch, specializing in the restoration and conservation of stained glass in churches in Wales and the English Midlands. Here he gained practical experience on construction sites, learning to remove ancient glass windows from medieval stone structures, restore them following the rules of conservative restoration and reinstall them using original techniques of the time.
Among the most important projects he has collaborated on:
• The reproduction of the stained glass windows of the main apse of Farm Street Church in London for a private commission in Japan, a monumental work that took the entire studio over four months.
• The restoration of a prestigious collection of medieval stained glass for Sam Fogg, with works dating between 1200 and 1500, exhibited in London and documented in the catalogue “Images in Light: Stained Glass 1200-1550”. This collection was later acquired by the Getty Museum. Diego was surprised to discover years later that a restoration he had carried out was chosen for the cover of a book purchased at the Uffizi in Florence.
• The creation of eight commemorative stained glass windows for the British Parliament, part of the new millennium projects. These stained glass works in a naïve style represent the thousand-year history of the United Kingdom with a complex and symbolic design.
Returning to Italy and Founding IKO Studio
After seven years in the UK, Diego decided to return to Italy, where he was employed by the renowned Roman studio Vetrate d’Arte Giuliani. During his time there, he contributed to significant projects for the Vatican, including the creation of the papal coat of arms for the Lateran University.
In this period, he collaborated with the artist Ivan Polverari to produce a stained glass window for the Pontifical Chapel of St John Lateran. He was also involved in the design and installation of stained glass windows for the Cathedral of Abuja in Nigeria, an experience that took him to the site to personally oversee the work.
Diego Tolomelli, Stained Glass Artist and Entrepreneur
In 2008, Diego Tolomelli founded IKO Studio with the aim of bringing together the best practices he had acquired over years of experience. He combined these with the structured work methods of the British system and his fluent command of English, enabling him to access international markets.
He began to establish his reputation by launching a website early on, becoming a pioneer in the use of social media. At the same time, he actively promoted his work locally through exhibitions and markets.
This approach soon led to Diego Tolomelli, stained glass artist, receiving his first commissions.
Masterpieces and Awards Over the Years
- Church of San Girolamo a Corviale, Rome (2012): Creation of two stained glass windows.
- “A New Stained Glass Studio” Article (2014): The American Association of Artistic Stained Glass featured an article in its official magazine recounting the founding of IKO Studio and Diego Tolomelli’s journey as a stained glass artist.
- Pontifical Chapel of the Lateran University (2017): Restoration and modification of a stained glass window originally created in collaboration with the Vetrate d’Arte Giuliani studio.
- Palazzo Nani Mocenigo, Venice (2017): Creation of a three-light window using mouth blown Murano roundels, commissioned for the luxury hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace.
- Expo Internazionale Via Pulchritudinis (2018): Diego represented Italian sacred art, showcasing the techniques and symbolic significance of artistic stained glass.
- Benedictine Monastery of Norcia (2018): Creation of five artistic stained glass windows for a wooden chapel built following the earthquake that devastated the monastic complex.
- Stained Glass Window for the Monastery of the Benedictine Nuns of Ghiffa (2022): Creation of a large stained glass window designed by the artist Ivan Polverari.
- Stained Glass Windows for the Church of Our Mother Mary Queen of Heaven and Earth, Rwanda (2023): Creation of five figurative stained glass windows, including a reproduction of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, for a church in Rwanda.
Diego Tolomelli, Stained Glass Artist and Teacher
With IKO Studio, a true international school of stained glass art was born.
Although his teaching experience began in England, where he conducted evening classes, it was after moving to Rome and organising intensive and residential courses that teaching became a profound source of satisfaction for him. Diego learned Spanish, enabling him to train aspiring glass artists from around the world. Some of his students were sponsored by the European Community, foreign art schools, and the American association Glass Guild.
Diego Tolomelli, stained glass artist and teacher, received international invitations to teach, conducting workshops twice in Uruguay, twice in Colombia, and in Kobe, Japan.
With the same passion, we continue to organise in Bolsena what has become a renowned programme of intensive and residential stained glass courses.
The Artistic Mission of IKO Studio
The creations of IKO Studio are born from a deep passion for the art of stained glass. Years of experience in this field have equipped us with the technical expertise and artistic vision to craft unique glassworks, distinguished by their craftsmanship and attention to detail. From initial design and sketching to the selection of materials, meticulous painting, and precise assembly, every step of the process is executed with utmost care, resulting in glassworks that are true masterpieces.
Do you have a special project in mind or need personalised advice for an artistic stained glass window? Whether for a private residence, a church, or a public space, we are here to bring something extraordinary to life together.