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 gallery

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.

Archived work by Sam Herman

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 Mathias, Marie Hastrup Holm, and Siddy Langley.

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.

Alison Lowry

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.

Exhibiting artists

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

Artists that have worked in the studio: Cathryn Shilling, Elliot Walker, Hanne Enemark, Laura McKinley, Layne Rowe, Sabrina Cant, Stan Chen

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, Nina Casson McGarva, Rachael Woodman, Richard Jackson, Sally Fawkes, Tomas Brzon

Blasts from the past: Adam Aaranson, Anna Chrysopoulo, Danny Lane, David Flower, Gayle Mathias, Marie Hastrup Holm, Max Lamb, Sam Herman, Siddy Langley

Legacy artists: Karen Lawrence, Sam Herman