It was such a pleasure organising and chairing the British Society of Master Glass Painters annual Discussion Day with our Artists Working Group last September, 2024. The theme was based on Connection & Collaboration, intended to empower artistic expression and foster future collaborations by inspiring practitioners to creatively connect and strengthen their professional relationships. Located at the stunning Worshipful Company of Glaziers & Painters of Glass Guildhall, London.

The morning was spent listening to our guest speakers Amber Hiscott and Bethany Wood. They did a marvelous job lecturing about their most extensive collaborative projects and reflecting on how these connections aided in the projects success throughout their independent glass careers.

Amber Hiscott works internationally as an innovative architectural glass artist from her studio in Wales. Her large scale commissioned works are in many public settings and she teaches artistic stained glass across the UK and Europe. Bethany Wood is the founder of Blowfish Glass Gallery in Stourbridge, a town that has a rich glass-making history dating back to the 17th century. She produces her own range of glassware as well as running workshops to share her passion for glass blowing.

The morning finished with an artist’s panel Q&A, which ignited important discussions surrounding stained glass education, tips on strengthening professional relationships and how to create opportunities ourselves. Examples of Amber & Bethany’s artistic projects and snap shots from their presentations shown above.

That afternoon, for the ‘Show & Tell’ portion of the day, we were extremely pleased to introduce 14 practitioners, who provided wonderfully diverse portfolios and recent projects in a series of power point presentations. It was a fantastic opportunity for participants to share their own work with other professionals, pics shown above. As well as hot and cold glass artists, we were joined by apprentices, interior designers, architects and organisation representatives. Before heading home and to conclude the event, we headed to the pub for a proper networking session. Overall, the event promoted a strong sense of community; which not only inspired attendees to connect, but to collaborate!