Rectangular Platter by Ian Chadwick

Joyously rich and colourful rectangular platter from the formidable kiln of Ian Chadwick.

The colours and geometric patterns take you away to somewhere hot and exotic; colourful spices in Zanzibar, walking through the bazaars in Morocco as the muezzin calls the faithful to prayer, or taking a dip in the hot springs of Manikaran.

The shapes give a hint of the zig-zag patterns used to decorate the clothes and hats of a hundred different civilizations.

Each geometric piece of glass art is painstakingly made with four turns in the kiln lasting 16 hours each.

Rectangular Platter – Artist

Ian Chadwick glass artist, hails from the picturesque Isle of Wight. He embarked on a creative journey that traversed various locales, culminating in his formative years in Banchory, near Aberdeen, Scotland. There, he earned an honours degree in Fine Art from Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen, specialising in sculpture.

The turning point in Chadwick’s artistic trajectory occurred during his degree show, where he unveiled sculptures; seamlessly blending glass and plastics, characterised by op-art qualities and a profound emphasis on geometry and symmetry—an exploration that would echo throughout his career.

Venturing into the intricate world of glass, Ian dedicated years to working in a stained glass studio in Scotland before transitioning into freelance roles as a window designer and traditional glass painter. In 2001, Manchester became his new canvas, providing the backdrop for his discovery of glass fusing and kiln-forming techniques. Over the next two years, during his spare time, Chadwick immersed himself in experimentation, teaching himself the nuances of these glass-working techniques.

This newfound expertise laid the foundation for Chadwick’s entrepreneurial leap, as he established a business crafting traditional glasswork and kiln-formed glass art. Over the years, his portfolio expanded to encompass a diverse array of contemporary glassware, including kaleidoscopes, glass bowls, glass plates, wall art, glass vases, and other interior glass homewares. Ian’s artistic journey has been punctuated by exhibitions across Britain and internationally, along with the fulfillment of numerous exciting glass commissions.

The evolution of Ian’s work is evident in his current collection, which revolves around the compelling theme of pattern formation. Inspired by optical art, traditional pattern-forming, and a fascination with sacred geometry—particularly the meditative symbols known as mandalas—his creations embody these influences. Each piece is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship involved, employing techniques reminiscent of mosaic work to produce kaleidoscopic, op-art effects.

The intricacy of Chadwick’s process involves meticulously constructing a sheet of striped, coloured glass, which is then kiln-fired into a solid piece. This solid piece is carefully cut into smaller components, intricately assembled to form the mesmerising patterns that define his finished works. The production requires precision, patience, and a commitment to quality, with pieces undergoing multiple kiln firings and extensive cold-working using diamond abrasives. This complex, hands-on approach ensures that each piece emerges as a unique work of art, reflecting the fusion of Chadwick’s artistic vision and the collaborative spirit of his clients, who have played a pivotal role in the evolution of his craft.