Victoria Baths Glass Exhibition
On saturday I popped along to this glass exhibition at Victoria Baths in Manchester and on arrival, I was greeted by a choir singing in one of the pool rooms, it was quite a stirring sound experience. The pool has temporarily had a stage built into it for the version of Romeo and Juliet which is performing there until October 4th. What a great setting for such a play.
Around the edge of the pool some of the changing rooms had been taken over as exhibition spaces to allow the glass artists to showcase their work.
I was fascinated by the work of Annette Sharkey who uses real fish and encapsulates them into her glass sculptures. I’m not sure just how happy I’d be having this wee chap watching me around the home. Annette’s got the perfect surname for her style of work don’t you think ! lol
One glass artist from the Pennines Jane O Neill, makes more humorous sculptures depicting the long thin houses of Hebden Bridge and the Yorkshire contribution to the Tour De France from earlier this year.
One ex Biochemist and Primary School Teacher who’s now a glass artist, was Chrissie Smith. I thought she captured the colours and feel of birds very well in these hangings.
Lyndsay Atkinson also manages to balance her love of glass and nature with being a Physiotherapist. I guess when she’s not manipulating glass she’s busy being ‘hands on’ with her patients. In both professions I would guess that she has great control in her work.
Sea-struck Nicola Thompson takes most of her glass inspiration from the the waves and surf. Some beautiful frothy, foamy, pieces can also be seen on her website.
Finally the wonderful work of Jane Littlefield with some of her cyclists and (a few frames higher) swimmers which fit perfectly within the victorian swimming pool setting. Jane was busy keeping the children occupied making some glass mosaic coasters. She takes on commissions for private homes, churches and schools. Drop her a line here Jane@JaneLittlefieldGlass.co.uk if you’re interested. She also helped me make my stained glass piece from last year.
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Thanks Craig! I have shared it with the group, they will be delighted. Sunday was a better day, lots more visitors and some children too! Jane x
That’s good to hear Jane. Definitely up for more collaboration this year, we’ll have a natter in a few weeks to discuss further ideas. Happy Day C x
How lovely to see that the baths are open again. My mum remembers going to dances there.
Hi Valerie, yes the baths are looking great. Even though it’s not possible just yet to swim there, that’s a big aim for the future. In the meantime they are open to the public for tours and other events. Dances at the baths eh ! lovely memories.
I’d think it great fun if someone had jumped into the water.
Sort of ‘set up’ with a granny type who just happens to fall into the water, purse, hat and all.
Do I detect an air of ‘high jinx’ there joy or are you offering your dressing up services for the next one ? lol
Both!