Meet a Maker: Edition 17

I was instantly hooked on glassblowing following a brief encounter on art and design foundation at Leicester Poly in ’89! I chose a 3D design course which included glass (WMCG at Manchester Poly) so I could further explore the material. At this point, I decided hot glass was my thing, but I needed to develop my skill so I spent two years at the renowned International Glass Centre, Brierley Hill. From there I gained a place on the Ceramics & Glass MA at the Royal College of Art.

2. What is one interesting fact about you?

If I can I have two things, I would share that I once made some blown glass shoe heels for the musician PJ Harvey (in collaboration with a shoemaker). I also used to work for the designer Thomas Heatherwick, and was part of the team involved in making his breakthrough window display ‘Autumn Intrusion’ for Harvey Nichols in 1997.

3. How long have you been making?

Apart from the college years, I have been designing and making work since 1997, but I only recently returned to glass after a break of more than 20 years (I got distracted by a full-time design job and a baby – who is now 17). It’s great to be back!

4. Who are your favourite makers in your craft?

My favourite maker has to be Malcolm Andrews, who was my teacher when I was at Brierley Hill. He’d spent his life in the industry and his making skills were so impressive. He had a great sense of humour too. In terms of contemporary makers, I love the work of Michael Ruh. Simply beautiful work in elegant shapes and a well-chosen colour palette.

5. What is the most challenging skill/technique you learned in your craft?

All of it! What other craft involves a material that changes state from liquid to solid as you work with it – and you can’t touch it?!

6. What is your favourite part of your craft?I love the fact it is such an ancient skill; the techniques and tools haven’t really changed for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. I really enjoy using my hand tools, which were made to fit my hands by the late Ivan Smith, the last blacksmith who made glassmaking tools in England.

7. What project are you most proud of and why?

Annoyingly I can’t really tell you, as I had to sign an NDA, but it was last year, for one of the world’s most recognised luxury car brands.

8. If someone who knows nothing about your craft could know one thing, what would it be?

The closest you get to touching molten glass is by using a pad of wet newspaper on your hand to shape the glass. It’s amazing to feel the material moving in your hand, the moisture creates a jacket of steam to prevent the newspaper sticking. It does smoulder though, so you end up smelling like a bonfire after a day’s making!