Celebrating 50 Years of London Glassblowing

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 began London Glassblowing in a world with no market for studio glass, sustaining himself through part-time teaching and selling pieces from the boot of his car. Fifty years on, the studio stands as a testament to that extraordinary endeavour. To mark the occasion, Peter has invited over forty artists to create new work for this landmark exhibition — a gathering that tells the story of London Glassblowing's remarkable journey. The show brings together current resident artists, guest artists who have become part of the studio's extended family, and true blasts from the past: artists who worked alongside Peter at his earlier studios at the Leathermarket and in Rotherhithe, including Gayle Matthias, Marie Hastrup Holm, and Siddy Langley. The exhibition also honours pioneering figures no longer with us, with archived works by Sam Herman, Karen Lawrence, and Jochen Ott on display — artists whose contributions helped shape the studio glass movement in Britain. This is more than an anniversary show. It represents five decades of artistic voices, a celebration of the remarkable diversity that has always defined London Glassblowing, and a reminder of how studio glass evolved from an uncertain beginning into a collectable art form embraced worldwide. Exhibiting Artists: Resident artists: Anthony Scala, Bruce Marks, Daisy Parkinson, Harriet Thorne, Liam Reeves, Louis Thompson, Sarah Manly, Sarah Wiberley, Sila Yucel Artists who 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, David Flower, Gayle Mathias, Marie Hastrup Holm, Max Lamb, Siddy Langley Legacy artists: Karen Lawrence, Sam Herman

What to expect:
Crafts