Joachim Klos (1931-2007)

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Joachim Klos, alongside notable figures like Georg Meistermann and Johannes Schreiter, ranks among the most significant masters of German stained glass art in the late 20th century. This group, often referred to as the "magnificent seven," elevated German architectural stained glass to international acclaim. Born in 1931 in Weida, Thuringia, Klos pursued his artistic education at the State University of Architecture and Fine Arts in Weimar and later at the Krefeld School of Applied Arts, graduating in 1957. He began his career as a freelance graphic artist and glass designer, first in Mönchengladbach and later in Nettetal-Schaag, where he worked until his death in 2007. His participation in the 1978 international stained glass exhibition at the Royal Stock Exchange in London marked a turning point, bringing his work to a global audience. From 1981 onwards, he received invitations to conduct workshops in Wales, the USA, Australia, and New Zealand, reflecting the high regard for his artistry. He also welcomed numerous glass designers for extended internships at his studio. Among his notable international commissions are the stained glass windows for the municipal crematorium in Coychurch Bridgend, created in collaboration with the Glamorgan Institute of Higher Education in Wales.