Glass blower/designer : Employers and vacancy sources

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.

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• a-n: The Artists Information Company   
• ArtsJobs  
• British Glass  
• Crafts Council   
• Glass Global  
• Glass Jobs Online  
• Glass on Web  

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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