About
Glass Alchemy
We believe strongly that glass as a creative material has unparalleled properties. It is the medium through which light can communicate with us in four dimensions. The surface and interior of glass capture light and colour in constantly moving patterns that interact in unpredictable and delightful ways. Making its beautiful translucent presence felt in any design setting.
We at The Glass Foundry work to realise your glass vision with expertise and artistry. We enjoy challenges and projects that stretch what is thought possible with glass.
Indeed, our Glass Lab initiative encourages innovation, diversity and collaboration in the glass field, offering masterclasses, scholarships and residencies. So that the skills needed to continue to expand the possibilities of glass can flourish.
Who We Are
The Glass Foundry is a full service glass foundry in the Cotswolds. We produce custom artwork, sculpture and architectural features. We are a dedicated team of experts in each element, from conceptual design and bespoke manufacture to collaborative innovation and site specific installation. Our aim is to continuously expand what is possible with this incredible material and see ourselves as pioneers in the alchemy of bridging light and glass.
In offering a programme of training open to all abilities, from one day workshops to week long masterclasses in advanced techniques we pursue our mission to share our knowledge. We work alongside you to unlock your inner artist, giving you the practical skills to conceptualise, plan and create your sculptural concepts. With opportunities for apprenticeships and artists residencies and a growing international client base, the foundry is a beacon of excellence and a pathfinder for emerging and established artists and artisans working with glass.
The Glass Foundry’s home is in the Cotswolds, an area famous for its long history in arts and crafts. Stroud in particular is a hub for creativity and excellence in hand made and high skills manufacture and is home to artists of all variety. Previously the sole studio of glass artist and sculptor, Fiaz Elson, it is now also establishing itself as an exciting and creative artist training space and industrial design hub. might talk about your origin story, your team, highlight awards or recognitions, or share photos. Tap into your creativity. You’ve got this. The way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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Fiaz
Creative Director
Fiaz Elson is an renowned glass artist whose work pushes the boundaries of what can be achieved in kiln cast glass. Her work can be seens at www.fiazelson.com
She is also a sought after workshop leader and teacher most recently teaching at the Royal College of Art, Farnham University, Swansea Met and the Cork Sculpture Factory. Her works are in several private and public collections in USA, Japan, Hong Kong, Europe and the UK.
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Jade
Studio Assistant
Glass itself inspires me. It’s a beautiful, yet challenging material and I love its slight unpredictability."
Jade specialises in kiln-formed glass. Architecture and the beauty of natural light are her main inspirations.
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Mini
Project Manager
Mini brings a thoroughness and attention to detail much needed when managing the multifaceted projects that come to The Glass Foundry.
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Tom
Studio Assistant
Tom’s passion for materials and their origin and his craftsmanship are apparent in the way he takes such care with the whole process of making. His background in product design and craft is also a valuable asset to the team. You can see his portfolio here - tomssart.myportfolio.com
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Mayah
Studio Assistant
Mayah joined us on a Kickstart placement in July 2021 and there was no turning back! Meticulous, precise and adept at finding creative solutions to tricky problems they've become an asset to the studio.
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Iwan
Company Director
Iwan works part time at the foundry and varies this with teaching mindfulness and with his main practice as an applied theatre practitioner. www.iwanbrioc.com
"I am in awe of the work that goes on in this studio. The patience, the finesse, the creative problem solving that happens every day. When I started here I wondered if it was all worth it...and then I saw the finished work!"
The Glass Lab
'The Glass Lab' is our research and development wing. We offer a limited number of residencies to artists with a desire to try out new methods of working with glass.
As a centre of excellence one of our remits is to expand what is possible in the field.
We welcome dynamic and innovative proposals from experienced creative practitioners from science and the arts.
