from 1845, at the urging of pugin, john hardman entered the burgeoning industry of stained glass manufacture. he was joined by his nephew, john hardman powell (1827–95) who married pugin’s daughter anne in 1850, and claimed to be pugin’s only pupil. powell became the chief designer from about 1849, prior to pugin’s death in 1852. the company took part in the great exhibition of 1851 in london, exhibiting the great chandelier designed for alton towers.