I started working with glass as a hobby about 20 years ago having previously
worked as an optometrist. I began selling items about 15 years ago when my
house became full of lamps and hangings and the walls were mirror strewn.
I am attracted to glass because of the beauty of its colours, textures
and variety. I am particularly influenced by the designs of Louis
Comfort Tiffany, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and Frank Lloyd Wright and
other iconic names from the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods.
It was Tiffany's introduction of the copper foil technique for stained
glass work which makes most of my work possible. The shaped glass is edged
carefully with copper foil which will then allow the pieces to be soldered together
resulting in much finer work than the use of strips of lead came permits.
Tiffany's development of 'favrile' glass is also an inspiration to all who love
glass and my frequent use of iridescent glass is probably as a result of this.
I will turn my hand to most types of design however but usually return
to the stylised visions of nature so typical of the early part of the 20th century
or the geometric designs of the Art Deco period. I particularly enjoy making
decorative lamps or mirrors but over the years have also turned my hand
to many other glass items.
I am now also producing fused glass items to add variety to my work. These
include bowls, dishes, wall hangings, ornaments, and vases.
I work from home almost full time. I am a craft member of the Somerset
Guild of Craftsmen and take part in many of their exhibitions and I have
permanent exhibits at their Home Gallery in Somerton. I also take part
in Somerset Art Weeks most years. I sell items at the Wellington Arts
Association Spectrum group exhibition each year and take part in other
local ventures when possible. I currently have permanent displays at
the 303 Gallery in Martock, the Cottage Gallery in Wedmore and at the
exciting new cooperative gallery Somerset Crafts at Shapwick.
At many fairs I am currently exhibiting with another glass artist Bern Sawle.
I can offer one day copper foil courses to one or two people at a time.