Glass is an amazing material to have a play with for the complete novice, or even for an experienced glass maker. It offers intrigue and excitement from start to finish. The more glass you make, the more you want to do! It is a magical, molten material that is constantly moving and evolving, like molten lava.... It is also as hot as molten lava! Although these temperatures may make people weary and it is dangerous, but it is a controlled danger, providing that one never becomes complacent or takes their eye off the molten glass for a second.
Glass is a super-cooled liquid which is constantly molten, even when it is cold and appears solid in a finshed state. That is why old church leaded windows that have been in place for hundreds of years start to become thicker at the bottom and thinner at the top, as the glass molecules are pulled downwards by gravity.
Working with glass is so exciting, that we love to run various experiences for everyday individuals to try. We offer glassblowing day classes, or if a day is too long, we even do short experiences for people to try, like 'make a vase' or a 'paperweight' experiences for people who only want to do a quick taster. If longer experiences or classes are required, we also offer two day workshops up to weeks of glass making... depending on each persons individual requirements and their desire to become more proficient in glass. We even take International students from overseas who want to learn more about glass making, as well as a new country at the same time too. (Usually for up to three months at a time, depending on each individuals country and visa requirements www.gov.uk).
Ingrid features glassblowing on Steph's Packed Lunch with Kammy having a go! (Chris Kamara ex-footballer).
We also do exclusive demonstrations for groups over ten people. Advanced booking & payment required.
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Ingrid Pears M.B.E.
Studio glassblowing is a niche market, making it essential for success to work internationally. Ingrid Pears M.B.E. is one of the most celebrated and sought after, glass designer/makers globally. Boasting a diverse portfolio of projects commissioned by private clients, including Art Galleries, Stores, Celebrities, Embassies/High Commissions and Royalty across the world. Ingrid chooses to work with The Department For International Trade for export success, taking part in many trade missions & global networking events.
Ingrid is commissioned by The Foreign & Commonwealth Office to make bespoke art work for British Embassies & High Commissions around the world. These unique art works are used for International Business Awards, ceremonies and purely aesthetic art.
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Ingrid is delighted to announce that she has been invited to become a member of CATALYST UK, an invitation only, high profile global network of business leaders who work with the British Government, UK TRADE & INVESTMENT / DEPARTMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE to promote UK excellence internationally. The group comprises of influential business figures established in international markets, who are supporters of the UK as a place to do business.
CATALYST UK was launched as a global network of business leaders responsible for championing the UK as the world’s best international business partner. It comprises influential business figures established in international markets, who are supporters of the UK as a place to do business. Members, expected to total 500 promote the UK internationally by speaking at UKTI/DIT events and discussing their insights and views with business. They also provide practical support, mentoring UK SMEs and entrepreneurs that are taking their first steps into international markets. Current members are drawn from all business sectors, including life sciences, ICT, advanced engineering, creative industries, energy and finance.
Catalyst UK is managed by The Ministerial & Strategic Engagement Unit (MSEU) which was established in September 2013 to drive a strategic approach to cross-Whitehall Ministerial and business engagement in trade and investment priorities, in support of economic growth.
Below are a few photographs of Ingrid travelling around the world showcasing her Glass Art at various Foreign & Commonwealth Office venues and events:
Ingrid has been working with hot glass since 1994, she graduated in 1998 from Middlesex University London with a BA(Hons) Degree in Three Dimensional Design, specialising in Glass. Later that year Ingrid won a scholarship from the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London, which enabled Ingrid to study postgraduate in Glass Techniques and Technology at the International Glass Centre, West Midlands England.
Ingrid went on to win The Frederick Stuart Memorial Award 1999, for the best blown piece of glass 2000 and in 2001 won The Craftsman Magazine Award for Best Newcomer. Since graduating Ingrid has worked with some of the world’s leading figures and organisations, such as His Holiness the Dalai Lama, King Charles III, Prince Andrew the Duke of York (British Royal Family) and was also commissioned to make the Bollywood awards in India to name but a few special commissions. Ingrid works on a commission basis for The Foreign & Commonwealth Office, making bespoke glass pieces for special awards, ceremonies and for art.
In 2010 Ingrid won an International Business Award for her contribution to trade with India, in the BRIC categories (Brazil, Russia, India & China).
Ingrid sells her work world-wide in over fifty locations globally, but has her own studio's based in Nottinghamshire, comprising of an old former coach house in Thoresby Courtyard at Thoresby Hall, Nottinghamshire and a former Medieval Church (was C of E). Hockerton, Nottinghamshire, which is in the process of being renovated at this time for future business use.
Visitors are encouraged to visit at Thoresby seven days per week, preferably by appointment, where a warm welcome will be waiting for you.
This was a special commission made for Mandy and Ken Durber - inspired by Terry Pratchetts Discworld. The back of the turtle was around 500mm across! An exceptionally heavy piece to handle on the end of a blowing iron! (nevermind the Discworld and the elephants!)
Discworld is a comic fantasy[1] book series written by the English author Terry Pratchett, set on the Discworld, a flat planet balanced on the backs of four elephants which in turn stand on the back of a giant turtle. The series began in 1983 with The Colour of Magic and continued until the final novel The Shepherd's Crown, which was published in 2015, following Pratchett's death. The books frequently parody or take inspiration from classic works, usually fantasy or science fiction, as well as mythology, folklore and fairy tales, and often uses them for satirical parallels with cultural, political and scientific issues. ( TURTLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTIN COLLINS)