Isle of Wight celebrates glass with Bamforth brothers event

Visitors to the Isle of Wight this November will be able to see two master glassmakers demonstrating the art of glassmaking. This is the first in a series of events run by the Isle of Wight Glass Museum.

On Sunday 21 November 2021, master glass craftsmen, brothers Ian and Vic Bamforth, will be taking part in ‘Inspired by Life’s Experience: Storytelling in Glass’. These internationally-renowned glass artists will travel from their base in Stourbridge to show off their skills at the famous Isle of Wight Studio Glass, run by Timothy Harris.

Museum Director Anton Doroszenko commented, “We’re delighted that they’ll be launching our events programme with this unique collaboration.”

The event will be an introduction to, and demonstration of, the art of glassmaking. Coffee and pastries will be served from 10.30am, and the event itself will start at 11.00am. The demo will be followed by a Q&A session. Guests will then be treated to a private viewing of selected artworks, plus a guided tour of the museum by the Director. There will also be an opportunity to speak directly with the experts.

“Each artist has his own distinctive style,” said Sue Beeby, the museum’s Development Manager. “Having been privileged to observe them all at work, I know that our guests will be in awe of their creativity and skill.”

Tickets are £15.00 and are on sale in the museum office, or online at www.isleofwightglassmuseum.org.uk.

The Isle of Wight Glass Museum, located with Isle of Wight Studio Glass at Arreton Barns Craft Village, celebrates the design and craftsmanship of glass makers based on the island, as well as those connected to the island, past and present. There are over 1,200 pieces on show, including many unique and never-before-seen objects, in two galleries.

Forthcoming events are planned for Valentine’s weekend 2022 (showcasing the next generation of talent), and the long weekend of the Queen’s Jubilee in May 2022 (another master craftsmen collaboration).

Location: Arreton Barns Craft Village, Main Road, Arreton, Isle of Wight, PO30 3AA.

Image: A piece from the Museum’s collection made by Ian Bamforth. The vase is made in four parts, which are fused together (the incalmo technique). It is a difficult process to line up all the parts exactly.