Glass making is an ancient art, one that's seeing a revival in a variety of formats from the smallest of beads to large sculptural pieces. Contemporary glass is totally 'in' these days and this exhibition presents a stunning array of bowls, platters and wall hangings, in opaque and transparent glass that has been moulded, slumped and blown. And then there is the jewellery!
The first thing we notice in glass exhibitions is how the rich and exciting colours seem to dance and change as the light plays over the object. An excellent example is Louise Cartedge's duo, Deco I & II. These two undulating rectangles have raised flat geometric patterns and host iridescent linear comments that may be subtle or vibrant according the viewer's movements to catch the light from different angles. Meanwhile Marc Leib's large Cosmic Storm and Stand, if placed near a window, would trace the sun's progress across the sky in stunning hues.
Looking at Kay Talbot's round Blues plate is akin to staring at the night sky and seeing more than you expect whereas the cocoa and chocolate hues of the opaque square platter Cappuccino by Philomena Masters is more down to earth in its modernist pattern. And Anne Clifton's Gem Series of perfume bottles and paperweights capture the cosmos for utilitarian purposes.
Sitting quietly amid all the majestic offerings of smooth surfaces and reflected light, we notice the Lime Green Blown Glass Vase by Gerry Rielly. This stunning piece is elegant and exotic and hints at nostalgia, although I can't say why. Also much appreciated are Estelle Dean's Pate de Verre series, one in red another in green. These little vessels of moulded glass crumbs seem to be made to hold pieces of dreams so we can access them easily.
There is much more to see and wonder at in this exhibition. Like the jewellery! Do have a look, hopefully your interest will encourage glass makers to continue this ancient, beautiful, art form.