Blog

 

Occasional blog, news and events

 

Autumn photoshoot at Yew Tree Farm

Autumn photoshoot at Yew Tree Farm

Although  I don't like winter (too cold, too dark, too grey), and know that autumn leads into this least-favourite of seasons, I can't help enjoying it, harvesting fruits and fungi, enjoying the changing colours and light. The Lakeland hills can be particularly...

Filming flamework

“Can you just slowly caress that mound of moss….draw your hand lovingly across it…” It can be difficult to explain what I do and how I work to people who haven't seen it. I blow glass, but don't use furnaces or ovens. I don't need a large space, just a small bench...

HRH Prince Charles visits Hawkshead Relish

HRH Prince Charles visits Hawkshead Relish

On Monday 8th April 2019, the sun shone in the South Lakes which, following the arrival of spring just weeks before, were full of blossom, daffodils, and the occasional early bluebell. With the sound of birdsong filling the air, and blue skies all around, it was the...

Anniversary glasses

Anniversary glasses

My work has a tendency to reflect the colours and textures of the Lake District’s landscape, but recently I was asked to take this one step further and create a pair of commemorative, fern-textured  glasses that were as much as part of the Lake District, and...

They met, they talked, they parted

They met, they talked, they parted

In the dining room of the György Ráth Villa in Budapest (see previous post L) was a table, set as if expecting guests. Glass plates, wine glasses and a decanter adorned said table, created by a contemporary glass artist to complement both the objects in the Ráth...

Budapest and Art Nouveau

Budapest and Art Nouveau

One of the reasons I love to visit Budapest is its abundance of art and architecture, particularly Art Nouveau. Everywhere you look, beautiful buildings meet your gaze - whether architectural landmarks or residential blocks of flats. Recently, the city seems to have...

Hand blown glass

Hand blown glass

Picture this: you’re about to hop on a train at Oxenholme station, luggage in one hand, sandwich in the other. It’s a good quality, sourdough sandwich with your favourite filling but, with a train to catch, you didn’t have time to enjoy it at the local cafe you bought...

Sicily

Sicily

As the Catania Airport hire car man surveyed our filthy vehicle, one last large lump of mud,  which had clung on despite all the potholes a road round Etna could throw at it, finally dislodged and fell to the ground in front of him. Totally unfazed, he retrieved the...

Herdwick wine glasses

Herdwick wine glasses

On 10th - 12th September this year, the Beatrix Potter Society, which exists to promote the study and appreciation of Beatrix Potter’s life and works, held their 18th biennial conference at the Castle Green Hotel, Kendal. This year, the 100th anniversary of female...