“Time marches on. Succession is on the horizon. Tim and I are working together towards a degree of continuity in ethos and in our approach to our making practice.” - Peter Layton

Our current exhibition, Confluence, is arriving at a time of change and transformation at London Glassblowing, representing an evolution of traditions and regeneration of ideas. Long-term resident artist, Tim Rawlinson, has worked alongside Peter Layton in the hotshop since 2011. During this time, he has observed Peter’s techniques and absorbed inspiration into his own work. Peter's influence on Tim's creative development has been significant, shaping both his technical abilities and artistic vision. 

Confluence, a joint exhibition of artworks by Peter and Tim, explores the collaborative art form of glass. Inherently, glassmaking is a collaborative act, where ideas are shared, inspiration oscillates, and techniques are exchanged. The word ‘confluence’ is defined as the junction of two rivers or a process of merging. This exhibition does just that: it combines the minds of two distinct artists, while showcasing the fluid nature of their practice. Overall, it is a journey of transformation, a presentation of mentorship, and a showcase of artistic legacy. 

Each piece in this exhibition is in communication with each other, connecting threads of inspiration and years of collaborative art making. An example of this shared influence is seen in Peter’s Medusa series, where elements flow into Tim’s new Hypnosis work. Medusa originated as part of a collection Peter conceived for the Vetro exhibition at London Glassblowing in 2014. The series features large inclusions - intricately coloured and patterned discs that are pre-made, heated, and carefully positioned on separate layers of molten glass during the hotworking process. When reheated in the furnace, these elements break up unpredictably, forming delicate shapes that evoke the flowing organic energy of jellyfish within the solid glass material.

Archived Medusa by Peter Layton

Tim, first encountering the Medusa series in 2014, has reinterpreted the disc motif and incorporated the technique into new works, creating a dialogue between past and present. In Hypnosis, created especially for the exhibition, the discs are isolated to highlight their distinct colour patterns and are reminiscent of barnacles. Tim redeveloped Peter’s approach by using solid clear glass as a framework to hold and reverberate colour within the vessel. The technique allows the colour to resonate throughout the solid form, creating depth, luminosity, and retains a sense of movement. The influence between the two is clear and connects the artworks and artists, creating a visual language that spans across generations of glassmaking. 

Hypnosis Large Wide Form by Tim Rawlinson

This year, Peter returned back to Medusa, also creating new interpretations of this series for Confluence. The Medusae Vessels, captivating varieties of structural rectangular blocks, continue the disc motif in a new and innovative way. Internalised in clear glass, the graphic marble appears as if they are floating freely, evoking liquid organic forms. Through careful (grounding) and polishing, hidden depths are revealed to represent underwater environments. 

Medusae by Peter Layton

Confluence shows how ideas don’t just pass from one artist to another - they transform, multiply, and create new possibilities. What emerges is something neither could have created alone. The exhibition is an insight into this regenerative process, a journey of two artists, and a visualisation of influence flowing both ways. 

This exhibition anticipates a change in hands at London Glassblowing. As we approach our 50th anniversary in 2026, as well as celebrating Peter’s 90th in 2027, succession is on the horizon.  

"We hope that my colleague and son-in-law Tim Rawlinson, together with my daughter, Sophie Layton, will continue to run the studio and gallery and continue to champion this extraordinary medium.” - Peter Layton

The extensive community and legacy Peter has created over the past 50 years will be nurtured and upheld by Tim and Sophie. Peter’s influence will continue to flow into the gallery as Tim builds upon our story, innovating new ideas and working towards the next generation of glassblowing. Watch this space!