Roland Berry, a 73-year-old lorry driver from Cheltenham, has skyrocketed to internet fame after his daughter, Cicely, began showcasing his intricate stained glass creations online. Though he hauls heavy goods for a living, his true passion lies in shaping colorful glass into stunning works of art.

Berry first discovered the craft in his mid-20s when he befriended a glass restoration expert at Gloucester Cathedral. Over the decades, he refined his skills, but it wasn’t until 2022—when he gifted a custom piece for his daughter’s wedding—that the world took notice. The artwork was featured on a popular blog, prompting Cicely to start sharing his process on TikTok.

His videos, which offer a glimpse into the delicate craftsmanship of stained glass, have struck a chord with millions. A clip of him welcoming his first student has amassed over nine million views. Orders for his work now pour in from places like California, Detroit, and Poole.

Beyond commissions, Berry’s true joy comes from inspiring a new generation. Stained glass is considered an endangered art by Heritage Crafts, and he sees it as his mission to breathe new life into the fading tradition.

“I never imagined this kind of response,” he admits. “It’s overwhelming but incredibly rewarding.”

Now, with students eagerly enrolling in his workshops, Berry is ensuring that the beauty of stained glass won’t be lost to time.