Collect Spotlight: Colin Reid V&A

Colin Reid is regarded as a pioneer in the field of kilncast glass. He exhibits internationally and has work in museums, worldwide. London Glassblowing will be exhibiting new works by Colin at Collect Art Fair, Somerset House. Watch the V&A's behind the scenes video to discover how his incredible sculptures are made.

Collect at Somerset House, Stand E24
28 February - 2 March

Watch Colin Reid's V&A Video

Video by the Victoria & Albert Museum

How was it made? Kiln-casting a glass sculpture

Colin Reid makes dramatic kiln-cast glass sculptures, incorporating impressions of found objects and forms from nature. Follow Colin as he sails to remote shorelines in the Scottish Highlands, where he uses silicone putty to take a moulded impression of the rocky landscape, capturing the natural fissures and textures of volcanic rock, without leaving a trace.

Back in his studio, Colin transforms the impression, building it up and sculpting a model in wax and polystyrene, from which he takes a negative mould made of plaster and silica. In the kiln, the glass is cast into this mould – a process of mould melting which goes back 4000 years.

Colin finishes the sculpture using hand-held cutting and carving tools, as well as machinery for milling, grinding and polishing, creating a mirror-like finish which reflects the moulded surfaces. 

 R2099 Caleta by Colin Reid