Visit The Four Seasons CGS exhibition at Pyramid Gallery

A series of 5 vertically rectangular flat glass panels, with the tallest in the centre and descending sizes of panel each side, mounted on a dark grey base. Painted across the 5 panels is a scene of mountain peaks in tones of grey, yellow and ochre, representing autumn in the Snowdonian Massif.

Exhibitions | 19-08-2025

Visit The Four Seasons CGS exhibition at Pyramid Gallery

A celebration of contemporary glass art inspired by Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons violin concerto is taking place at Pyramid Gallery, York, this autumn.

The Gallery will be transformed into a vibrant celebration of glass representing the four seasons in this latest exhibition in partnership with the Contemporary Glass Society (CGS). Taking place from 6 September to 1 November 2025, the event will showcase the work of 26 glass artist members of CGS from across the UK, each exploring the enduring beauty and drama of Vivaldi’s iconic concertos, 300 years after they were first composed.

A large green acorn made of glass with a short stem and acorn leaf attached. There are delicate swirled patterns running from the tip of the acorn towards the brown acorn cup and the green tone becomes lighter towards the cup. — Layne Rowe’s ‘Acorn’ will be featured in The Four Seasons exhibition.

Artists featured in the show are: Ali Robertson, Alison Vincent, Caroline Reed, Cathryn Shilling, Deborah Timperley, Elizabeth Sinkova, Frans Wesselman, Gail Turbutt, Helen Bower, Helen Restorick, Helen Slater Stokes, Janette Garthwaite, Jane Yarnell, Kate Pasvol, Kerry Roffe, Layne Rowe, Lydia Swann, Nour El Huda Awad, Pamela Fyvie, Pascale Penfold, Priya Laxmi, Rosie Deegan, Stephanie Else, Suzie Smith, Valerie Bernardini, and Wendy Newhoffer.

A clear glass sculpture intertwining many part-melted rods of glass in a woven effect, called Hoarfrost, photographed against a black background and reflected beneath. — Cathryn Shilling’s ‘Hoarfrost’. Photo: Agata Pec.

This is a unique opportunity to experience the changing moods and colours of the seasons through the expressive possibilities of contemporary glass. Using an array of traditional and modern techniques – from glassblowing, kiln forming and fusing, to mosaic, stained glass, casting and pâte de verre – the exhibition demonstrates the incredible diversity and innovation found across today’s glassmaking community.

Clear glass square panel made up of 9 blocks, each with a different black image of bare trees in the landscape, some close up and others at a distance. Piece called Memories. — Helen Slater Stokes’ artwork is called ‘Memories’. Photo: the artist.

Special events

To mark the launch of The Four Seasons, a preview event will be held on Friday 5 September, featuring a free artist talk at The Belfry Hall, 52A Stonegate, York, from 4–5pm, where four of the exhibiting artists will discuss their creative processes and seasonal inspirations. Please book for the talk via this link. Prior to the talk, guests are invited to preview the exhibition from 2.30pm, with complimentary drinks and nibbles.

There will also be a private view at Pyramid Gallery on Saturday 6 September from 11am–3pm, offering buyers and collectors the first opportunity to purchase works from the exhibition while enjoying refreshments.

Commenting on this latest collaboration, CGS Chair Sarah Brown said, “The Contemporary Glass Society is delighted to return to the Pyramid Gallery for an exhibition this year. I’m so pleased that we can bring a variety of members’ work to York. Sharing a snapshot of the breadth of creativity within glass making with the general public and providing platforms for makers to sell their work is a key part of our mission in supporting makers at all stages of their careers and promoting glass as a creative material and preserving the history of working in glass.”

Opening hours: Monday–Saturday, 10am–5pm.

Pyramid Gallery is at 43 Stonegate, York YO1 8AW.

Main image: Kate Pasvol’s piece, ‘Autumn in the Snowdonian Massif’.

19-08-2025