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Founded by Peter Layton in 1976, London Glassblowing is one of Europe’s most prominent studio glass galleries and longest running hot-glass studios.
Visitors can not only view pieces from the UK’s finest studio glass artists, but can also watch them practice their ancient craft in the hotworking studio that lies beyond its white walls. To the beat of a searing furnace, they coax molten glass, transforming the shapes of their imagination into solid form. It seems almost impossible that these glowing orbs can be related to the cool polished objects displayed in the adjoining gallery.
Our Cold Working Studio, where the blown work is finished, and where cut and polished pieces are made, is supported by the Foundation Alcea. We are extremely grateful for this assistance, which also provides training for up-and-coming artists.
At the heart of the studio is a spirit of collaboration, which extends to the welcome shown to visitors who can come to watch. There is limited glassblowing between approximately 1-2pm for lunch and the artists generally stop around 4.30pm. Admission is free. Owing to limited space in the viewing area, we are unable to accommodate large groups on an ad hoc basis.
meet the team
Founder
Peter Layton
Founder of London Glassblowing and pioneer in Studio Glass Art.
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Director
Ann Layton
Ann is Peter's wife, and oversees the entire business in all its complexity. It is fair to say that much of our success as a gallery and studio over her time here can be attributed to Ann's vision, expertise and attention to detail.
Gallery Manager
Gena Johns
Gena looks after the running of the gallery and ensuring that our events and exhibitions are highly successful in addition to managing our PR. Her keen eye for detail and organisation ensure everything runs like clockwork.
Sales Manager
Sam Johnson
Often the first friendly face you see in the gallery, Sam looks after sales enquiries, and builds and maintains our corporate and hotel partnerships.
Marketing and Communications Manager
Katie Angus
Katie manages our marketing, communications and social media. She has a keen eye for the design of our exhibition catalogues and website. She keeps you up to date with What's On at London Glassblowing.
Gallery Assistant
Becky Smith
Becky helps handle everything from customer enquiries through to the sale and shipping of work, to preparation for our events and exhibitions. If you'd like to come on one of our experience days, Becky will be there to help you secure a place.
Sales and Events Coordinator
Sophie Layton
Sophie, an artist herself, will keep you up to date with new artist work. She coordinates the fascinating artist talks that we frequently host on zoom (and hopefully in the gallery soon!)
Resident Artist
Tim Rawlinson
Tim Rawlinson studied Ceramics and glass at Bucks New University, graduating in 2011. He exhibited his degree work that year at New Designers in London where he met Peter Layton. Peter invited Tim to do work experience at London Glassblowing, and following this Tim became a member of the team. Tim’s work has been shown annually at Collect since 2015.
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Resident Artist
Bruce Marks
Bruce has been working for Peter Layton since 2001, as a trainee and assistant, then as Studio Manager and most recently as Peter’s principal colourist. He completed his Masters’ Degree at the University for the Creative Arts at Farnham in 2010. He was the winner of the Gold Award in the Glass category of Craft & Design Selected National Awards 2014.
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Resident Artist
Louis Thompson
Louis is one of the most experienced glassmakers currently working in the UK. He joined London Glassblowing in 2003 and while there, completed his Masters degree at the Royal College of Art in 2011. The following year he was the recipient of two highly prestigious awards, the Jerwood Makers Prize Commission and the Best Exhibit Prize at the British Glass Biennale.
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Resident Artist
Layne Rowe
Layne is a vastly experienced glassmaker, whose journey in glass began in 1994 during his degree course in 3D design at the University of Central Lancashire. On graduating, he worked at London Glassblowing for a number of years before setting up a glass studio in Brazil and Hertfordshire. He then rejoined London Glassblowing where he has worked ‘on and off’ for over twenty years.
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Resident Artist
Sarah Wiberley
Sarah began glassmaking in 2001 during her studies at The Surrey Institute of Art and Design, graduating with 1st class honours 3D Design; Glass in 2014. It was during this time she began to discover her love of combining imagery with glass forms, experimenting with glass layers of different opacities.
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