24 THE RIVER MAGAZINE | Summer 2017 | c u l t u r e | Established by Peter Layton in 1976, London Glassblowing was among the first hot-glass studios in Europe. The studio has a reputation as one of Europe’s leading glassmaking workshops with a particular flair for the use of colour, form and texture. Peter Layton has been at the forefront of the studio glass movement along with fellow makers from that time, Sam Herman, Philip Baldwin and Monica Guggisberg, David Reekie, Alison Kinnaird, MBE. In‘Celebrating 80’, Peter has invited these illustrious artists to exhibit with him and extended the invitation to a range of established glass artists currently broadening the understanding of the medium, internationally and at home. The exhibition will be a rare chance to view the works of the‘pioneering’ members of the British studio glass movement in one show, alongside artists from the younger generation of established makers. The show runs from the 16th of June to the 8th of July, at London Glassblowing’s Peter Layton London Glassblowing 62-66 Bermondsey Street Se1 3UD 0207 403 2800 info@londonglassblowing.co.uk londonglassblowing.co.uk facebook.com/ldnglassblowing twitter: @LDnGlassblowing Instagram: @londonglassblowing Bermondsey Street space and is the major exhibition taking place during the year of celebrations for Peter Layton’s 80th birthday. ‘Upon reaching this age I find myself asked more and more frequently about my legacy, and my reply is invariably undecided,’ explained Peter Layton.‘London Glassblowing and the incredible things we’ve achieved there together, is of course a major part of whatever it may be. However I am also moved when I think of all the great people who have passed through those doors, each bringing something new and, I hope, taking away something they’ve learned.’ Layton has also pulled from the company of his resident artist team including Tim Rawlinson, Louis Thompson, Layne Rowe, and Anthony Scala for this exhibition. Featuring Rawlinson’s blown and polished forms, and new developments from the others, particularly jewellery by Layne Rowe. Anthony Scala, glassmaker turned filmmaker, will screen a selection of his films made about Peter and the studio during the exhibition’s run. Visitors to London Glassblowing Studio will experience the heat and magic of the ancient craft of glassblowing while watching a gather of molten glass evolve into a thing of value and beauty. ‘It is my privilege to work with and exhibit alongside the new generation of great glass makers,’Peter summed up.‘Whatever my legacy may be, I am confident that the future of British Glass art is in safe hands.’ Alison Kinnaird MBE, ‘Bed of Roses II’ Meconopsis Platters during ‘Gather’ exhibition at London Glassblowing Layne Rowe making in the studio Untitled, Livvy Fink I am moved when I think of all the great people who have passed through those doors P H o T o : R o B I n M o R T o n P H o T o S : E S T E R S E G A R R A