Collect 2026 at Somerset House
A Golden Anniversary at Collect
London Glassblowing celebrates 50 years
27 February - 1 March
We're thrilled to return to Collect 2026, marking a momentous milestone: our 50th anniversary. Since Peter Layton founded our studio in 1976, we've been at the forefront of elevating glass from industrial medium to collectable art form and this golden anniversary showcases the extraordinary vitality defining contemporary British glass today.
Our presentation celebrates the remarkable diversity that has always been our hallmark: a kaleidoscope of artistic voices, techniques, and aesthetic approaches demonstrating glass's boundless creative possibilities. We'll present work from 17 exceptional artists whose practices embody this rich variety.
Exciting debuts: James Maskrey, with over 30 years in hot glass, creates work that can take on the visual qualities of porcelain, liquid, even printed photographs. Helen Restorick brings a unique perspective informed by her background in medicine and genetics, exploring flow patterns with scientific rigour and artistic flair.
The Drayton Egg by James Maskrey
Joining them are masters including Colin Reid, whose kiln-cast sculptures reside in over 60 museum collections worldwide. David Patchen presents spectacular murrine and cane techniques; Tim Rawlinson explores light and optical effects; Elliot Walker creates symbolic compositions inspired by Old Master paintings; Heike Brachlow casts subtle polychromatic shapes; and Louis Thompson has a new series of Baobab tree sculptures.
Join us at Somerset House to experience why glass remains one of the most seductive and versatile mediums in contemporary craft.
Exhibiting artists: Peter Layton, Tim Rawlinson, Anthony Scala, Heike Brachlow, Bruce Marks, Colin Reid, David Patchen, Elliot Walker, Helen Restorick, James Maskrey, Karen Browning, Katherine Huskie, Layne Rowe, Liam Reeves, Louis Thompson, Sila Yucel, Tomas Brzon
Our Stories
Handcrafted Olive Oil Bottles for Restaurant Story
We were delighted to collaborate with celebrity chef Tom Sellers and his acclaimed Restaurant Story to create bespoke olive oil pouring bottles inspired by the elegant shape of an olive.
A Golden Christmas at London Glassblowing
We are marking the countdown to our 50th anniversary with a gold-themed Christmas exhibition. Founded by Peter Layton in 1976, the studio has evolved into one of Europe's longest-running glass galleries. Artists have created special pieces incorporating gold to celebrate this milestone "Golden Year" as the studio prepares for 2026's anniversary celebrations.
Q&A with David Reekie
We asked artist David Reekie a series of questions to delve into his creative process and uncover what drives his distinctive vision. Explore David's journey from initial sketchbook concepts to finished glass sculptures, his captivating figurative work, and the social and political ideas that inspire and inform his artistic practice.