Glass blower/designer
A glass blower/designer is responsible for designing, producing, decorating and finishing pieces of glass ranging from giftware, tableware, exhibition pieces, stained glass windows, mirrors, vehicle and architectural glass products through to glass equipment used in scientific laboratories.
Most of the work is carried out by small, independent studios, although there are some larger glass manufacturers based in the UK.
The work can be commissioned by individuals, corporate organisations or the public sector. Most blowers/designers will be involved in the entire commission process, from concept to completion.
Glass blowers/designers may also be involved in restoring, renovating and repairing original pieces.
Depending on the specialist area, work activities can vary but will probably include:
For those running their own business, additional tasks may involve:
Although this area of work is open to all graduates, a degree/HND/foundation degree in the following subjects may increase your chances:
There are two NVQ/SVQ courses directly relevant to those wishing to pursue a career in glass blowing/design, both at levels 2 and 3: glass manufacturing and glass processing. Some colleges also offer a BTEC Professional Development Award in glass design.
As part of the government’s drive to expand apprenticeships, opportunities now exist to train as an apprentice glassmaker, stain glass conservator or architectural glass designer.
Introductory courses to glass design and glass making are run by continuous education centres across the UK, including many further education colleges. Many independent studios also offer beginners' workshops in the evenings or run short courses during weekends or holidays.
The British Society of Master Glass Painters offers a list of courses from introductory through to degree level.
Several universities offer postgraduate training, notably the Institute for International Research in Glass (IIRG) . The IIRG is affiliated to the University of Sunderland and the National Glass Centre and promotes and facilitates research in glass.
As well as technical ability and knowledge, potential candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
For those who are self-employed, good general business and research skills are vital, as is an ability to be self-motivated and to know how to market yourself and your products.
Foreign language skills may improve your chances of branching out into overseas markets.
Although not all jobs require formal educational qualifications, all new entrants should have a portfolio of work to present to potential employers and clients, which should match the in-house style of the studio you are applying to. Subjects or experience in areas such as art and design, technology and the sciences, coupled with a passion for the glass sector will give you an advantage.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Continuous professional development (CPD) is important for both self-employed glass blowers/designers and those who work for larger companies. It is vital to keep abreast of industry developments, including the introduction of new techniques. Glass Training is the organisation involved in the development of training for the glass industry.
The Open College Network runs a 32-week glass techniques and technologies course at Dudley College of Technology , which can lead to further/higher study and is aimed at those who wish to start their own business in this area.
Many studios and colleges throughout the UK offer professional development courses. You can find a list of these on the Craft & Design Magazine site. The Contemporary Glass Society and Glass Training also publish details of industry-relevant courses. Glass blowers wishing to progress to management positions could enrol on the specially tailored foundation degree in glass manufacturing management at Wakefield College .
Self-employed glass blowers/designers may wish to develop business-related skills through appropriate training, such as:
City & Guilds offer a Higher Professional Development Diploma in Creative Arts, which focuses on teaching marketing and business skills to creative practitioners, including glass designers.
Glass blowers/designers employed by larger organisations may have the opportunity to move into managerial or supervisory roles. Such progression will involve increased responsibility and more emphasis on non-creative skills, including people management, budgetary control and planning.
Career development for those who are self-employed will come from increased ability and an expanding portfolio. A well-established reputation will bring more challenging commissions and clients.
Working abroad may also be a consideration. In recent years, the rapid expansion of luxury resorts and hotels has brought new opportunities for UK glass designers.
Organisations, including the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London , Craft & Design Magazine and the Crafts Council regularly run competitions with financial rewards. Working towards these accolades encourages glass blowers/designers to push themselves to the limits of their creative potential.
Many glass blowers/designers may need to supplement their income with other work. This might include glass restoration, stained glass making, teaching or lecturing at local schools and colleges, as well as running evening courses and workshops.
Proskills - Sector Skills Council for the Process and Manufacturing Sector advises that skilled glass blowers also have the option of branching into glazing, manufacturing, engineering and scientific research.
As with any creative career, it is useful to keep in touch with industry peers and industry developments by joining relevant networks. Cohesion Glass is a specialist network for glassmakers. Craft & Design Magazine hosts an A-Z list of glass-related guilds and associations. The International Festival of Glass is a biennial opportunity to network with international participants and to exhibit and sell to international audiences.
The UK boasts a number of large glass manufacturers, such as Pilkington and Everest, although they normally employ 'flat glass' workers, as opposed to decorative or studio glass workers.
However, there are some UK lead crystal manufacturers who will employ skilled glass blowers, designers and decorators. These include Dartington, Edinburgh Crystal and Waterford Wedgwood. Denby also have an onsite glass studio.
Other larger employers include department stores and interior design houses, which will have their own design teams.
Many glass blowers/designers work for themselves. Those who specialise in giftware, jewellery or one-off pieces of artwork can sell their products through craft fairs, exhibitions, galleries or arts centre gift shops. Whilst department stores usually work with larger producers, some may sell exclusive ranges of independent designers. Online shopping has also increased potential markets for glass designers - most will have their own website with an online gallery and often an online shop.
Stained glass designers may also be commissioned by churches, banks, hotels, pubs, public buildings, mosques, shopping centres, private clients or national heritage projects.
Scientific glassblowers tend to work either in universities or companies which design, manufacture and repair scientific and laboratory glassware.
There are a few websites dedicated to jobs in the glass industry, though only a small number related to decorative glass opportunities. Vacancies tend to be with larger employers and will be advertised through the trade press, as well as online. Self-employed designers should also look in trade publications and on trade websites for opportunities and commissions.
Speculative applications could be made by new designers to any established studio or workshop. For a list of current UK studios, see business directories like the Yellow Pages .
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