Topic: Ruby and pink studio vase signature - ID = Stuart Akroyd

[brucebanner]

Any thoughts on this one?.

6 1/2 inches in height, regards Chris.

[chopin-liszt]

Is it incalmo?
It has a look/feel of Mike Hunter's work, (Twist Glass) about it, but obviously does not carry his signature.
But I am wondering if it might be by somebody being apprenticed to him?

[brucebanner]

Had to look that up, yes I would say it is, just watched a you tube vid it looks tricky to do, I'm guessing this little vase is recent having no wear for a heavy piece of glass.

[chopin-liszt]

I can't see any join, though. And an "apprentice" wouldn't be up to incalmo. That was a bit of a silly notion.
But Mike has recently been doing incalmo in colours not unlike that.

It's a complicated and sophisticated piece. You're looking for an artist of considerable experience/talent.

[brucebanner]

I found out who made this one, Stuart Akroyd.

http://www.courtyardgallery.co.uk/glass.html

[David E]

That's a beautiful piece, Chris.

Incalmo is a devil to get right, apparently. Ian Bamforth (Ruskin Glass Centre in Stourbridge) has made a few and told me that it requires two blowers joining the two pieces together  - very carefully! The coefficient of expansion for each section has to be very close, otherwise when cooling it could crack. I think Ian also made some triple pieces (gulp!)

I am lucky to own one of his pieces, which also includes graal decoration in the lower section.

EDIT: Just looked at Ian's website and I see his Spanish dancer bowls feature triple-incalmo:
http://www.ianbamforthglass.com/glass_gallery/spanish_dancer.php

[chopin-liszt]

I see a fair bit of Stuart Akroyd's work when I get out to see local contemporary art galleries.
He's a main feature in a lovely one in Perth.
I've not seen incalmo work from him, yet, I wonder if it's really very recent?

[David E]

If you click Chris' link above it shows his incalmo work on the website.

[chopin-liszt]

He's joining good company there, in Sanders and Wallace and Will Shapespeare!
But I still haven't seen his incalmo work in the galleries here... yet.

[David E]

The very first picture on this page is the range that Chris' vase comes from:
http://www.courtyardgallery.co.uk/glass.html