Celebrating a 50 Year Legacy
Celebrating a 50 Year Legacy
"My word… How did that happen? Who knew that fifty years would go by in a flash? One looks back to those early days when time stood still or seemed to stretch out forever... what a privilege it is to still be working in such a fabulous medium alongside such wonderful people." - Peter Layton
In 2026, London Glassblowing is embarking on something remarkable – our 50th anniversary. This celebratory year honours not just the longevity of the studio but the vibrant community it has supported.
Baobab Collection by Louis Thompson - Exclusive to London Glassblowing
A Legacy in Glass
Peter Layton's pioneering journey in studio glass began in 1965 when he encountered the American Studio Glass movement while teaching Ceramics at the University of Iowa. Returning to Britain in 1968, he supported himself through part-time teaching before opening his first glass studio in Rotherhithe in 1976. Despite there being no market for studio glass in those early days, Peter has created what is now one of Europe's longest-running and most successful glass galleries.
Nearly 50 years later, London Glassblowing is preparing for a generational transition. Peter's son-in-law Tim Rawlinson and daughter Sophie Layton will continue running the studio and gallery, nurturing the legacy and community developed over five decades while introducing innovative ideas for the next generation of glassmaking.
The Year Ahead
Expect a year bursting with extraordinary events, exhibitions, and celebrations. Join us for live artist demonstrations and talks, explore our never-seen-before archive displays, experience golden hour tours, and discover more surprises as the year unfolds. A year that honours our past, celebrates our present, and embraces an exciting future in glass.
Our Stories
Peter Layton Receives the First-Ever Lifetime Achievement Award at Collect 2026
We are incredibly proud to announce that Peter Layton has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at Collect, and he is the very first person to receive it. Read Peter's acceptance words, reminiscing on his extraordinary career and contribution to the world of glass.
International Women’s Day: Spotlighting Women Glass Artists
This International Women's Day, we're shining a light on four talented artists from our studio - just a few of the remarkable women making their mark in glass. Historically framed as a male-dominated field, women have always been present in the story of glass, especially at London Glassblowing, and today they are redefining its future.
Welcoming James Maskrey and Helen Restorick to Our Collect Stand 2026
Marking our 50th anniversary at Collect 2026, we presented 17 artists spanning established masters to emerging talents — including two exciting newcomers, James Maskrey and Helen Restorick, both pushing glass into extraordinary new territory.
