Isle of Wight Studio Glass Collectors' Day

Now held annually, these exciting events have become firm fixtures in collectors' diaries. Over 80 keen collectors and fans packed into the studio today for this, the second of such days. The busy schedule kicked off with a welcoming introduction from Ron Wheeler of Artius Glass. This was swiftly followed by Timothy Harris making a 'Flower Vase' in front a rapt audience. Next up was a lecture on the origins of British studio glass by Roger Dodsworth, the Keeper of Glass at Broadfield House Glass Museum. After a break to watch more glass being made, and even try your own hand at this most ancient of arts, a delicious buffet lunch was served.
Straight up after lunch was your truly, giving a lecture (above) on the fashion for textured glass during the 1960s & 70s, and Michael Harris' important part in that trend. It seems my choice of theme was fitting, as the most important event of the day - the unveiling of the 'Day Piece' - was to follow. Only available to attendees on the day, Timothy Harris keeps his new design very much under wraps until the afternoon of the day itself.
We were not disappointed, as Tim cleverly fused his own 'Undercliff' design with his father's designs for bark textured vases first produced in Summer 1963. The combination of the complex and abstract forest design of 'Undercliff' with a bark textured surface is inventive, innovative and highly apt. The production process was also nothing less than amazing, taking nearly an hour to complete, and ending with a dramatic gush of steam as the hot glass met the wet bark lined mould. If you're into the glass produced by this prolific family, then these days are a must. I always have superb fun, and I'm sure you will too. Check out Isle of Wight Studio Glass' website for more information on the next event, and see you there!