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Press Release | Jo Downs Proudly Invests in People with New Artisan Collection

Press Release

03/05/18

 

 

Jo Downs Proudly Invests in People
 with new Artisan Collections 

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Glass artist Vicky Shopland at Jo Downs Handmade Glass

With a track record of hiring, training and offering long term employment to people in the field of art and design, Jo Downs Handmade Glass has established itself as a centre of creative excellence that is committed to investing in young artists. This summer Jo Downs celebrates the skill and commitment of her specially trained team with the new ‘Artisan' collection, a range of pieces entirely designed and handcrafted by two of her most talented glass makers. Artists Caillin Astles and Vicky Shopland both joined Jo Downs Handmade Glass over a decade ago and have seen their careers develop from studio floor trainees to highly skilled, senior glass-makers working on major projects. The new Artisan Collections gives both artists creative autonomy, and the chance to establish themselves as named makers in their own right, whilst highlighting the importance of investing in people and their unique creative potential.

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Work from the new Artisan Collection

‘My studio team are the lifeblood of this company' says Jo Downs. ‘Opportunities in the arts are few and far between at present in the UK, and so much talent goes untapped. We try very hard to offer opportunities to those who show commitment to a career in fused-glass, and that has resulted in a brilliant, multi-skilled team of makers with incredible potential to expand the field, and eventually train up new artists themselves. The Artisan launch, I hope, will draw attention to the importance of investing in new talent, as well as celebrating the dedication Caillin and Vicky have shown to their careers.'

‘I have worked with Jo for over 17 years now' says Senior Designer, Tutor and Artisan glassmaker Vicky Shopland ‘and in that time my passion for fused-glass has grown year on year. It's great to now have the opportunity to be recognised as an artist in my own right, whilst working alongside someone as prominent and well respected as Jo. The new Artisan collection means I can really let my creativity flow.' 

‘I joined Jo Downs Handmade Glass 12 years ago' says Team Leader, Senior Commissions Artist and Artisan maker Caillin Astles ‘and training with Jo has allowed me to pursue my goal of becoming a world-renowned glass artist, from learning my craft, to overseeing design and production in the studio here, and more recently entering international design competitions such as Emerge 2018 in the United States. Now, the new Artisan collections have given me the opportunity to show off my capabilities and make the work I have always wanted to create.'

The Artisan Collections come with certificates of authenticity signed and dated by the artist. They are now available at Jo's galleries in Launceston and St Ives in Cornwall, and at Ripley in Surrey, with selected pieces also available online at www.jodowns.com.

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Work from the new Artisan Collection 

Find Jo Downs Handmade Glass galleries at Market Place St Ives, Middle Street Padstow, Fore Street Fowey, Fore Street Tintagel and Pennygillam Launceston in Cornwall, and at Heath Road, Twickenham, Middlesex and High Street, Ripley, Surrey, and at www.jodowns.com

 

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Print Ready 300dpi images for press use:

Glass Artist Vicky Shopland

Artisan Collection image 1 

Artisan Collection image 2
 
 

Notes for Editors:

Jo Downs Handmade Glass

One of the world's most prominent fused glass artists, British designer Jo Downs' handcrafted work is inspired by the coastal setting of Cornwall where she lives and works. Jo's range of beautiful glassware includes hangings, bowls and mirrors alongside her much sought after statement interior pieces such as wall panels and art frames.

Jo has also developed her studio to undertake large interior projects. Her innovative designs have earned her hundreds of private commissions, producing fused glass windows, mirrors, wall panels and other artworks for homes, hotels and corporate headquarters around the world.

Jo Downs galleries can be found in Ripley, Surrey, in Twickenham, Middlesex, and in Cornwall at Market Place St Ives, Middle Street Padstow, Fore Street Fowey, Fore Street Tintagel and at her Launceston studio, where you can also see Jo and her team at work.

Further Information

You can find Jo's working studio and gallery at Unit 27g, Pennygillam Way, Pennygillam, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 7ED, tel: 01566 779779. The studio and gallery are open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm, and the gallery on Saturdays 9am - 5pm.

Other galleries at: Market House, Market Place, St Ives, TR26 1RZ. Tel: 01736 791555/ Middle Street, Padstow, PL28 8AP.Tel: 01841 533854 / Fore Street, Fowey, PL23 1AH. Tel: 01726 832005 / Fore Street, Tintagel, PL34 0DB. Tel: 01840 770954 / High Street, Ripley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6AY. Tel: 01483 225742 /Heath Road, Twickenham, TW1 4BN. Tel: 020 8241 2296. /You can also see and buy Jo's work online atwww.jodowns.com

 

For press information, additional images or samples contact Mercedes at Fine Art Communications director@fineartcommunications.co.uk / Tel 07825 270235 / www.fineartcommunications.co.uk