Handblown Vase ‘Seagrass ‘ by Will Shakspeare

This accomplished handblown glass vase is part of the ‘Seagrass’ that was inspired by a snorkelling trip Will took just after a big storm. The grass was being thrown about by the chop and the sun was sparkling down through the water, glinting off passing fishes.

This work is the result and you can feel the heat of the tropical sea as you look into its vibrant face.

A real delight, this piece was made using frits and canes in the final gather, before being painted and etched to perfection.

Hand blown – hand painted – hand etched and signed by the artist.

Handblown Vase – Artist

Will Shakspeare, of Shakspeare Glass, is one of the UK’s best-known glass blowers. He set up Shakspeare Glass over 25 years ago and has achieved great success with his uniquely creative glass art.

Based at his studio in Langport, Somerset, Will works with a small and talented team of glass assistants. He is a keen member of the community and has had lots of great help with the business from some lovely locals.

More recently, his wife Kate has joined the team, who manages sales and marketing. More recently, Will has been joined by his wife Kate who manages sales and marketing. Shakspeare Glass has featured regularly in the press and on TV, these include:

• Featured on Kirstie’s Homemade Home Channel 4
• Featured on ‘Kirstie’s Homemade Christmas’ Channel 4
• ’Original Features’ Nick Knowles UKTV
• ‘Inside the Factory’ BBC 2
• Telegraph Magazine with David Nicholls.

Many galleries and shops as well as private collections, both in the UK and internationally hold Will’s work.

He says: “I make a wide range of different designs which are constantly evolving. I deliberately design glass with a random factor, something that is out of my control. I also try and use colour so that it affects the final shape of the piece in a natural, fluid way. It means that I work with the glass rather than completely imposing my own ‘will’ on it as it were!”

Will draws great inspiration from water. “There is something magical about it. I especially love rock pools; they fascinated me when I was small and they still do. I believe that glass is the perfect medium to capture the qualities I love about the sea and water in a way no other can.

Through each piece my inspiration from the world around me is evident, my surroundings and experiences are inextricably linked to my work. However, the making process, the history, and the ideas are only a part. Just as important is what each piece says to you as you hold and look at it. Above all I want my work to speak for itself.”