CGS Mirage exhibition opens at London Glassblowing

Extraordinary glass artworks by 70 selected members of the Contemporary Glass Society (CGS) will be shown at the influential London Glassblowing Gallery in London in the new exhibition ‘Mirage: An Exhibition Celebrating Glass’ 4^th Dimension’ this June.

This exhibition explores the optical illusions possible in contemporary glass. The show celebrates how glass artists manipulate form, colour and light to create amazing effects, ranging from the subtle to the complex.

CGS is delighted to be collaborating with the prestigious London Glassblowing once more on ‘Mirage’ because London Glassblowing’s founder Peter Layton was also one of the founders of our organisation 28 years ago.

From 6-29 June 2025, Peter will be showcasing his masterful work alongside pieces by the following artists: Alexander Pearce; Alison Jardine; Alison Stott; Ana Laura Quintana; Anna Alsina Bardagí; Annica Sandström & David Kaplan; Beth Colledge; Bethan Yates; Bruce Marks; Brynn Hill; Catherine Forsyth; Cathryn Shilling; Caz Hildebrand; Charlotte Wilkinson; Claire Hall; Daisy Parkinson; Deborah Timperley; Dovile Grigaliunaite; Elin Isaksson; Elizabeth Šinková; Gail Turbutt; Georgia Redpath; Graeme Hawes; Harriet Thorne; Helen Brough; Helen Carr; Helen Restorick; Helen Slater Stokes; Iain Smith; Ian Chadwick; Jade Pinnell; James Maskrey; Jane Reeves; Jane Yarnall; Jeff Zimmer; Jianyong Guo; Jiayun Ding; Jo Guile; Jo Mitchell; Jon Lewis; Joshua Kerley and Guy Marshall Brown; Julie Coakley; Katharine Coleman MBE; Katharine Dowson; Kerry Collison; Layne Rowe; Lisa Pettibone; Louise Hawkins; Malvinka Bitelli; Maria Zulueta; Mils Bridgewater; Morag Reekie; Nancy Farrington; Nancy Sutcliffe; Opal Seabrook; Philippa Beveridge; Phillipa Candy; Pratibha Mistry; Richard Roberts; Ruth Shelley; Sam Sweet; Scott Benefield; Stacey Poultney; Steve Robinson; Stevie Davies; Tim Rawlinson; Tracy Nicholls; Tulin Bedri; Verity Pulford; Vicky Higginson, and Wang Ziyan.

Will Budgett, Gallery Assistant at London Glassblowing, who suggested the theme for this exhibition, commented, “The more I see what people do with glass the more amazing I find it. What constantly amazes me is how glass can deceive and delight – the way it creates refractions, reflections, and illusions that draw people in as they explore the gallery. Looking beyond the surface at all of these qualities, and other illusions the glass creates, is astonishing. It is always these extra tricks that constantly draw people’s eyes. Having artists specifically focus on these magical properties promises to create something truly spectacular.”

In addition to a private view evening on 5 June and a live demonstration of glassblowing by Layne Rowe on 14 June, there will be an Artist Panel Discussion on Wednesday 25 June (6-8pm) with Sam Sweet, Jeff Zimmer, Opal Seabrook and Tim Rawlinson, who will discuss illusion, perception and the future of glass. Please note that places for all three events are very limited. Call the Gallery on 0207 403 2800 or email on gallery@londonglassblowing.co.uk for more details and/or to book.

London Glassblowing is at 62-66 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3UD. Find out more on the website. Gallery opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 11am-5pm.

Image: An exploration of flow patterns in kiln-formed glass by Helen Restorick.