Creative Evolution: Guess the Inspiration!
Ever wondered what sparks a moment of creative genius? Peter Layton's unique "sketching on the blowing iron" approach means his inspiration comes from everywhere: a shadow on the wall, the curve of a leaf, paintings, sculptures or an unexpected colour combination glimpsed in passing.
In Creative Evolution, this experimental approach has created a showcase of stunning pieces that capture moments of innovation in glass. Rather than just sketching ideas on paper, Peter and Tim work directly with molten glass, creating tangible records of their creative process.
We've selected 10 standout pieces from the online collection, each with a story behind its creation.
Scroll through each piece below and see if you can guess the inspiration from the cryptic tagline. Answers revealed at the end.
Piece 1: Arguably the most famous artwork of a wave created, Peter has taken this dramatic painting and transformed it into glass. Returning time and time again to this iconic image, this represents one of Peter's signature interpretations.

Piece 2: Tim's fascination with the unknown can clearly be seen throughout his artworks. A dream, a shadow, an imagined entity, what inspiration applies to this sculptural vessel?
Piece 3: Twists, folds and unexpected turns are central to this platter. Colours splash on the surface as if paint or ink has been dropped, blending together to create new patterns once only imagined in glass. What textile element, masterfully rendered by painters throughout history, has Tim translated into flowing glass?








Our Stories
Creative Evolution: Guess the Inspiration!
Peter and Tim's sketching on the blowing iron technique captures spontaneous inspiration in glass. Can you guess what sparked each piece? A seashell, a building, a fleeting moment? Learn more about the inspirations behind 10 selected pieces from Creative Evolution.
Shaping Careers in Glass: Alumni Stories
This blog features insights from glass artists Dr. Helen Slater Stokes and Katherine Huskie on navigating early career challenges in the glass art world. Discover their advice on mentorship, networking, and balancing commercial work with artistic experimentation, plus their thoughts on supporting the next generation of emerging talent.
Inside the Mirage Exhibition: Artist Interviews and Insights
This blog features interviews with glass artists from the Mirage exhibition, a collaboration between London Glassblowing and the Contemporary Glass Society. Through conversations with participating artists, discover the techniques, inspirations, and stories behind contemporary glass art, exploring how each creator interprets the exhibition's "Mirage" theme.