Winner of glass blowing show ‘Blown Away 2’ is exhibiting his work
The winner of a glass-blowing TV show is exhibiting his work at a Bermondsey studio until the end of this month, writes Sharin Hussain.
Winner of Netflix’s Blown Away 2, Elliot Walker is showcasing new work as well as a recreated version of his winning piece from the show at the London Glassblowing Studio until October 30.
The 33-year-old said: “For me, the final piece was the best part of the process. It’s something that I really wanted to see actualized because I’d been thinking about it for such a long time and to be honest, it was very much inspired by the show and talking to the other artists on the show.”
Mr Walker was not a fan of glassblowing when he was first introduced to it, having primarily focused on sculptures, but it wasn’t long before he was hooked.
He said: “It’s amazing how quickly you get the taste for it, even if you’re resisting it.
“I think as a kid, I’d always been into fighting with and twirling sticks like batons and something about that that just fell into place when I got the iron in my hands.
“You’re actually allowed to spin it. You’re encouraged to spin it.”
As part of the exhibition, Mr Walker created a new piece in an online demonstration last week at the studio, where he used to work for eight years.
He trained there with the founder, Peter Layton (pictured above).
Mr Layton, 85, is the oldest glassblowing artist, having started his career back in 1965.
He established the London Glass-blowing Studio in 1976.
Mr Layton, who celebrates 45 years of success with London Glass-blowing, has a star-studded clientele which includes Sir Elton John and the Duchess of Kent.
He said: “Studios like mine have really become the future of the glass industry because we’re more flexible, we’re more interested in glass standing alone as a decorative art medium and we’re less interested in its function.”
Mr Layton was impressed with his former student’s win, saying: “For a British guy to go over to America and win that show, it’s like Bake Off.”
The exhibition also features the work of Bethany Wood, who has worked with Mr Walker for five years, and work by artist Laura Hart.
For more information visit: https://londonglassblowing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Best-In-Glass-Catalogue.pdf
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
