Motoring art: David Beattie

By Mick Walsh
Features
 | 28 Mar 2025
Classic & Sports Car – Motoring art: David Beattie

Combining the ancient craft of stained glass with a passion for classic cars is Scottish artist David Beattie’s mission.

So far his largest work is a 3ft x 4ft design featuring the Bugatti Type 41 Royale Coupé Napoleon, but his vibrant and original creations cover all eras.

“From Edwardian machines to classic supercars, my automotive interests are wide-ranging,” he says. “It’s fun to match a period design style to each era of subject.”

Classic & Sports Car – Motoring art: David Beattie

A Lancia Stratos-inspired stained-glass window by David Beattie

David says his interest in art started young: “I’ve always felt wired to draw, but Dad wasn’t sure about the prospects of me going to art school.

“Stained glass fascinated me from an early age, and after doing a two-day course in 2011 with specialist Brian Waugh I was hooked.

“He taught me how to fire glass and really motivated my ideas. I’ve also worked in a glass factory to learn more.” 

Classic & Sports Car – Motoring art: David Beattie

Explosive Lamborghini Countach rendering

There’s no clear artistic family link, but David has always been surrounded by interesting objects.

“My mother had a great eye for form, while my dad was rather more mechanically minded,” he continues.

“Dad always owned Minis, and I remember trips to school in his van, watching the road through the rusty floor.

“He loved old-school materials and, thanks to his work in demolition, he was always bringing interesting things home.

“As a youngster, I was intrigued by a Victorian glass panel he’d saved from a church.”

Classic & Sports Car – Motoring art: David Beattie

The angular outlines of Bertone’s wedge show cars lend themselves to the stained-glass medium

Living close to Duns, David has always wanted to do a piece for the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum.

“There is a long tradition of windows featuring religious subjects, but rarely motoring,” he says. “A panel to honour our local racing legend would inspire me.

“Everyone talks about Glencoe, but the nearby Yarrow Road from Moffat to Selkirk is spectacular.

“Seeing local collector Alisdaire Lockhart testing his Vauxhall Prince Henry there was special.”

Classic & Sports Car – Motoring art: David Beattie

The Citroën DS Décapotable stars in this stained-glass wedding scene

The craft of stained glass is a lengthy process that requires multiple high-temperature firings for each colour and density of tone.

David explains: “On a good day, I will have 12 firings of up to 600°C.

“Very occasionally a piece can explode, which is frustrating, particularly because glass is now getting very expensive.”

Classic & Sports Car – Motoring art: David Beattie

The De Lorean DMC-12 recreated in stained glass

David is also a professional mechanic and has owned a variety of cars, from a pre-war Wolseley to a classic Volkswagen.

“I loved my 1956 VW Beetle,” he smiles. “I drove it to Germany twice, but had to sell it to fund a new kiln.

“My dream car would be a 1958 Citroën DS; the combination of pure artistry and engineering is remarkable.

“Flaminio Bertoni and André Lefèbvre are design heroes. I also love Voisins, which will one day feature in my work.”

Follow @davidbeat84 on Instagram or email stain-glassart@outlook.com

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Mick Walsh

Mick Walsh is Classic & Sports Car’s International Editor