Celebrating 50 Years of London Glassblowing

12 June - 5 July



For half a century, London Glassblowing has been at the forefront of studio glassmaking. From opening a studio in 1976 in Rotherhithe, to the vibrant gallery now on Bermondsey Street, founder Peter Layton has been on a risky yet remarkable journey of experimentation, innovation, and evolution.

Peter Layton in the Rotherhithe Studio

Peter's endeavour began in a world that offered no market for studio glass, sustaining himself through part-time teaching and selling pieces from the boot of his car. Fifty years later, London Glassblowing represents this magnificent achievement and Peter's profound legacy.

To celebrate this momentous milestone, Peter has invited over forty artists to create new work for this landmark exhibition - a gathering that tells the story of London Glassblowing's extraordinary journey. The show brings together current resident artists, cherished guest artists who have been part of the London Glassblowing family, and real blasts from the past: artists who worked alongside Peter in his previous studios at the Leathermarket and in Rotherhithe, including Gayle Matthias, Marie Worre Hastrup Holm, and Siddy Langley.

Vista by Louis Thompson (photographer Alick Cotterill)

The exhibition also honours the memory of pioneering figures who have worked in the studio and are sadly no longer with us. These artists remain vital to the glass world, with archived pieces from Sam Herman, Karen Lawrence and Jochen Ott on display. Their contributions helped shape the studio glass movement in Britain.

This is more than an anniversary exhibition. It represents five decades of artistic voices, a testament to the remarkable diversity that has always been London Glassblowing's hallmark, and a celebration of how studio glass evolved from an uncertain beginning to a collectable art form embraced worldwide.

Landscape Within by Anna Chrysopoulo (photographer Stefan Stefanou)

Exhibiting artists

Peter Layton & Tim Rawlinson

Current Resident artists at London Glassblowing: Anthony Scala, Bruce Marks, Daisy Parkinson, Harriet Thorne, Liam Reeves, Louis Thompson, Sarah Manly, Sarah Wiberley, Sila Yücel

Pioneering figures who have worked in the studio: Cathryn Shilling, Elliot Walker, Hanne Enemark, Laura McKinley, Layne Rowe, Sabrina Cant, Vezzini & Chen

Esteemed Guest artists: Alison Kinnaird, Alison Lowry, Amanda Simmons, Bruno Romanelli, David Reekie, Gillies Jones, James Devereux, James Maskrey, Joseph Harrington, Karen Browning, Katherine Huskie, Max Jacquard, Monette Larsen, Nick Mount, Nina Casson McGarva, Rachael Woodman, Richard Jackson, Sally Fawkes, Tomas Brzon

Returning artists: Adam Aaronson, Anna Chrysopoulo, David Flower, Gayle Matthias, Marie Worre Hastrup Holm, Siddy Langley

In tribute to: Karen Lawrence, Nancy Sutcliffe, Sam Herman

Exhibiting Artists

Anthony Scala
Anthony Scala
Bruce Marks
Bruce Marks
Bruno Romanelli
Bruno Romanelli
Cathryn Shilling
Cathryn Shilling
David Reekie
David Reekie
Elliot Walker
Elliot Walker
Harriet Thorne
Harriet Thorne
James Devereux
James Devereux
Katherine Huskie
Katherine Huskie
Liam Reeves
Liam Reeves
Louis Thompson
Louis Thompson
Monette Larsen
Monette Larsen
Nina Casson McGarva
Nina Casson McGarva
Sarah Wiberley
Sarah Wiberley
Sila Yücel
Sila Yücel
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Our Stories

Fifty Years of Fire: Celebrating Peter Layton and London Glassblowing

Fifty Years of Fire: Celebrating Peter Layton and London Glassblowing

For half a century, London Glassblowing has transformed contemporary glass art - pioneering new techniques, supporting generations of artists, and establishing a studio at the forefront of innovation. This milestone year offers a moment to reflect, to reminisce, and to celebrate the extraordinary impact that has helped shape the world of glass.

Silent Auction Stories: Staff Favourites

Silent Auction Stories: Staff Favourites

Our 2026 Silent Auction celebrated fifty years of glassmaking with works from Peter Layton's personal 'Highlight' collection alongside archival pieces from our resident and guest artists. The gallery team shared their favourites and the stories behind them, from a never-before-seen Fabrica platter to the smallest Portal Tim Rawlinson has ever made.

Peter Layton Receives the First-Ever Lifetime Achievement Award at Collect 2026

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.