Stained Glass Stories

Hey Joe Brewery

“In 2018, we had the privilege of transforming Hey Joe Brewery in Franschhoek into a place where colour, glass, and craftsmanship meet in harmony. This project gave us complete creative freedom and allowed us to explore the possibilities of stained glass on a grand scale. Each window tested our precision and teamwork, and together, we turned ideas into lasting works of art.”

by Celeste van der Merwe

Inspiration, Colour & Form

Our inspiration at Hey Joe Brewery began with the idea of reflection, how light moves through liquid and glass. The round windows were inspired by beer itself, the way amber light glows inside a pint. Their tones are warm, with golden ambers framed by deep greens and cool blues, mirroring the hues of a brewery in full sunlight.

For the bar window, the inspiration shifted upward, to the open sky. Here, we used vibrant blues and bright colours to lift the mood of the interior. The contrast between the earthy beer tones and the airy blues created a balanced flow through the building.

The Big Round Windows

Our first task was to design and build six large round windows, three on each side of the main brewery building. Each panel held around 330 pieces of glass, arranged so that the shapes grew smaller toward the centre. This gradual shift in size created a visual rhythm, pulling the eye inward towards the light.

We used a mosaic-style technique, gluing each piece onto a clear base glass and grouting between them. This method gave the windows texture and strength, and when the sunlight hits them, the amber tones seem almost alive.

Monastery Windows

The brewery’s owner envisioned a space with a slightly monkish atmosphere, calm, reflective, and timeless. To echo that, we created two abstract windows with soft, rounded tops, reminiscent of chapel arches.

Installed at the front of the building, these colourful church-shaped windows greet visitors as they approach. They glow warmly throughout the day, adding a subtle spiritual quality to the brewery’s modern architecture.

The Bar Panel

Above the bar, we installed a large, colourful mosaic-style panel in shades of blue and bright accents. The design was open and luminous, inspired by the sky. To finish it, we added a sandblast vinyl layer on the outside to soften the view of the roof structure and plates that could otherwise be seen through the glass.

The Logo Window

The logo window above the main entrance was the most technically demanding piece of the project. It required painting every detail twice, once on each side, so the image and lettering would read perfectly from both directions. The face of the logo was especially intricate, demanding steady hands and patience.

It was also the first time we fired such a large single piece of glass. The first attempt cracked in the kiln due to an incorrect hold and cooling time. We recalibrated, made adjustments, and the next firing came out perfectly. That success reaffirmed our belief that persistence and precision are at the heart of every good craft.

The Smaller Round Windows

To complete the space, we created eight smaller round amber windows, installed in the more private areas of the brewery. While subtle, they add warmth and continuity to the design. Visitors who walk around the building may catch glimpses of them glowing quietly, tying the interior together.

Teamwork and Creative Freedom

This project was a true collaboration. Every panel, every piece of glass, every colour choice was the result of shared effort and trust in one another’s strengths.

We’re grateful to the owners of Hey Joe Brewery for the creative freedom they gave us. That trust allowed us to explore, experiment, and deliver something that reflects not only the brewery’s character but also our own love of light and design.

For Visitors to Hey Joe Brewery

If you visit Hey Joe Brewery in Franschhoek, take a moment to look up and around. Notice the amber-lit round windows on each side, the arched windows at the entrance, the blue mosaic panel above the bar, and the logo window that welcomes you inside. Each piece was designed to transform light into atmosphere — a celebration of craftsmanship and collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions: The Hey Joe Brewery Project

When was the stained glass at Hey Joe Brewery created?

All the stained glass and mosaic work for Hey Joe Brewery was completed in 2018. It was one of our most extensive and rewarding projects, involving multiple large and small window installations throughout the building.

What inspired the design of the brewery’s stained glass windows?

The inspiration came from two ideas: the warm amber tones of beer and the open blues of the sky. The round windows reflect the golden glow of beer in a glass, while the large mosaic above the bar was inspired by light and air, a nod to the sense of space inside the brewery.

How many stained glass panels were made for Hey Joe Brewery?

In total, we created 32 panels: six large round windows, two church-shaped abstract windows, a large bar mosaic panel ( consisting of four separate panels), one intricate logo window (consisting of seven panels each side), and eight smaller round amber windows placed throughout the building.

What techniques were used in this project?

We combined traditional stained glass craftsmanship with a mosaic-style technique, where glass pieces were glued to a clear base and grouted between. For the logo window, we used double-sided glass painting and kiln firing, ensuring the image could be read correctly from both inside and outside.

Were there any challenges during the process?

Yes. The most difficult part was painting & firing the large logo window. Our first attempt cracked in the kiln due to incorrect cooling and holding times. After recalibrating, we successfully fired the second piece without issue. Every challenge became part of the learning process, helping us refine our technique for future large-scale projects.

Where can visitors see the stained glass at Hey Joe Brewery?

Visitors can see the three large round windows on each side of the main building, the two arched windows at the entrance, the colourful bar panel above the bar, and the logo window above the main entrance. The smaller amber windows can be spotted throughout the more private areas of the brewery if you explore the full space.

Did you have creative freedom on this project?

Yes, we were given full artistic freedom by the owners of Hey Joe Brewery. This trust allowed us to experiment with new methods and colour palettes, resulting in a project that truly reflects both the brewery’s atmosphere and our passion for the craft.

Who created the stained glass for Hey Joe Brewery?

The work was designed and created by Francois & Celeste van der Merwe from Live Light Stained Glass, a South African stained glass studio known for combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design. The project was a team effort that highlighted our shared commitment to precision, collaboration, and creativity.

LIVE LIGHT STAINED GLASS