London Glassblowing marks 50 years with anniversary exhibition

Over 40 glass artists, representing some of the best studio glass from the past 50 years, will show work at the Bermondsey Street studio between 12 June and 5 July 2026.

For half a century, London Glassblowing has been at the forefront of studio glassmaking. From opening his 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 with glass.

Peter’s endeavour began in a world that offered no market for studio glass. He had to sustain himself through part-time teaching and selling pieces from the boot of his car. Now, 50 years later, London Glassblowing represents this magnificent achievement and Peter’s profound legacy.

To celebrate this momentous milestone, Peter has invited over 40 artists to create new work for the landmark exhibition ‘Celebrating 50 years of London Glassblowing’ (12 June-5 July 2026) – a gathering that tells the story of the company’s extraordinary journey. The show brings together the work of current resident artists, guest artists, and artists who worked alongside Peter in his previous studios, including Gayle Matthias, Marie Hastrup Holm, and Siddy Langley.

The exhibition also honours the memory of pioneering figures who worked in the studio and are sadly no longer with us. These artists remain vital to the glass world, with archived pieces from Sam Herman, Karen Lawrence and Jochen Ott on display. Their contributions helped shape the studio glass movement in Britain.

London Glassblowing states, “This is more than an anniversary exhibition. It represents five decades of artistic voices, a testament to the remarkable diversity that has always been London Glassblowing’s hallmark, and a celebration of how studio glass evolved from an uncertain beginning to a collectable art form embraced worldwide.”

Exhibitors include: resident artists Anthony Scala, Bruce Marks, Daisy Parkinson, Harriet Thorne, Liam Reeves, Louis Thompson, Sarah Manly, Sarah Wiberley and Sila Yücel; artists who have worked in the studio Cathryn Shilling, Elliot Walker, Hanne Enemark, Laura McKinley, Layne Rowe, Sabrina Cant and 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 and Tomáš Brzon; ‘blasts from the past’ Adam Aaranson, Anna Chrysopoulo, David Flower, Gayle Matthias, Marie Hastrup Holm, Max Lamb, Sam Herman and Siddy Langley; plus legacy artists Karen Lawrence, Jochen Ott and Sam Herman.

Established in an era of creative uncertainty for glass, the studio has weathered changing fashions and multiple economic recessions to become a cornerstone of the contemporary glass movement. Its longevity is a testament to both Peter’s vision and the strength of the community he has cultivated.

This momentous period for London Glassblowing will continue into 2027, when Peter Layton turns 90 – making him one of the oldest practising glassmakers in the world. The gallery states, “In a poignant passing of the torch, Peter will formally introduce Tim Rawlinson and his daughter Sophie Layton as the new successors of London Glassblowing. Together with his wife Ann, Peter has made an immeasurable impact on the studio glass scene in the UK and beyond, which Tim and Sophie endeavour to continue.

“At a time when many university glass departments, independent studios, and galleries are under threat, the continuation of London Glassblowing stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and renewal. Tim and Sophie are poised to carry the vision forward, illuminating the vital role the studio plays in sustaining the future of glass in the UK.”

London Glassblowing is at 62-66 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3UD. Website: www.londonglassblowing.co.uk

The exhibition is on from 12 June – 5 July 2026 (Tuesday – Saturday: 10am-5pm; Sunday – 11am-5pm). Entry is free and visitors can watch glass artists at work in the studio.

Main image: New work ‘Medusae’ by Peter Layton marks his return to graphic simplicity. Photo: Sylvain Deleu.