Blown Studio Glass is the only contemporary hot glass studio in the South Hams of Devon. We specialise in one-off studio pieces but make a wide range of glass. Every piece is unique and signed.
Blown Studio Glass established in 2005 is the only contemporary hot glass studio in the South Hams. We specialise in one-off studio pieces but make a wide range of glass. Every piece is unique and signed.
The glass is free blown by a small team directed by Nick Orsler. Nick has been a designer/maker for over 20 years and has had work purchased for both private and public collections around the world.
The Galleries situated in Dartmouth and Totnes have been designed by Jacky Orsler, who will normally be on hand to talk about the glass and advise on commissioning.
Nick initially trained at Hornsey College of Art in London, and then did a degree in Industrial Design at Leicester. After various apprenticeships in small studios in England, Nick travelled to parts of Europe, mainly The Black Forest in Bavaria, and parts of Italy, to extend his interests in the art of glassmaking. On returning to England Nick set up a small studio in London with the support of a Crafts Council award.
Nick has exhibited and sold glass to numerous Crafts Council selected galleries including the Cecelia Coleman Gallery, London, and the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. Stockists of Nicks glass have included Harrods International Glass Department, London, Libertys One Off Department, London, The Designers Guild all branches, Next Interiors all branches. Nick is particularly keen to continue with his love of experimenting with colour and form.
Nick has worked closely with Interior Designers and Architects. He also welcomes commissions from private collectors and the public alike.
The original studio was located in Dartmouth close to the Gallery in the centre of the town. However, in 2010 we had the exciting opportunity of a much bigger space and a public viewing gallery. So in April 2010 we completed the relocation and refurbishment of our studio within the premises of China Blue in Totnes (see Where to find us page) Our plan is to have glass blowing activity most days (between 11am - 4pm) and everyone is very welcome to visit. We have created a stunning "retail wall" within the studio which stocks a large range of studio glass - all one off with prices to suit every pocket. Nick maintains that studio glass doesn't have to be inordinately expensive, and should be accessible to everyone,
Do not hesitate to contact either Jacky or Angie at BLOWN, 2 Smith Street, Dartmouth (tel: 01803 835123) and BLOWN, Market Square, Dartmouth or Anne at BLOWN, 9 High Street, Totnes (tel: 01803 865585) for further information.
Both Gallery opening hours are usually Monday - Saturday 10.30am - 5pm. Our plan is to have the Studio open 7 days a week 11am - 4pm- but call us on 01803 865585 to check that we are blowing!
Our three stunning galleries are situated in the beautiful South Hams of Devon, in the towns of Dartmouth and Totnes. The work is constantly changing as Nicks love of experimentation and working with colour drives him to create new designs on a very regular basis.
We offer beginner and intermediate lessons, as evening classes and full day courses. This course is intended to introduce you to the wonderful and amazing properties of molten glass.
Lessons take place at Blown Glass Studio in Totnes. Under the expert guidance of Nick Orsler and his very experienced team the aim will be to provide individualised teaching for each student.
The emphasis will be on providing you with hands on experience. You will learn the basics of hot glass making within the workshop including: gathering, shaping and forming the glass at 1080 degrees centigrade. You will be taught how to "tame" the molten glass so that you will start making solid forms such as paperweights, before progressing to blowing the glass to create bowls, vases and other forms.
Through demonstrations and close supervision you will quickly gain a basic understanding of the molten glass and gain confidence in being able to manipulate this amazing syrupy material.
Working in a small team of usually no more than four to six people, you will set out to discover different approaches to working with the hot glass. You will explore form, texture, colour and pattern to create a series of solid and blown items. You will learn about movement, timing and communication needed by the glassmaker to create original and inspiring pieces.
The one day class or series of classes will allow you to develop your own ideas through discussion, research, drawing and making. The class will be divided between demonstrations, supervised work time and idea development. The emphasis will be on individual development for each student to enable you to play, investigate and realise your ideas. Naturally you get to keep your artistic creations.
You will find this to be a unique and enjoyable experience and will want to explore it further. We are happy to teach individuals with any level of experience and complete beginners. Classes are normally limited to six people maximum.
All prices are per person and include VAT
3 hour lesson am or pm (minimum 2 people) £110.00 per person
Book a group of five 3 hour lessons for £ P.O.A.
Full day lesson 10.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00pm - 4.30pm £225.00
(The cost includes lunch at the onsite China Blue Restaurant)
Up to a maximum of 6 students are taught at any one time, therefore instruction is intensive and by all accounts most enjoyable! The cost includes tuition, materials and use of tools. Payment is required with booking. We can also cater for corporate and group bookings.
We also offer intermediate lessons for more experienced students. For professional glassmakers we offer studio hire and glassmaking facilities. Please enquire.
As a special and unusual present glassblowing lesson gift vouchers are available.
Blown Studio Glass - at China Blue, Station Road, Totnes (3 minute walk from Totnes railway station, 6 minutes walk from Totnes town centre).
If you are driving there is free parking.
To book or enquire about availability please contact us through this website or phone either of our galleries on 01803 835123 Dartmouth
01803 865585 Totnes
Book a group of five 3 hour lessons £ P.O.A.
“lessons
"A truely sublime experience"”
Reviewed 2 November 2011 on TripAdvisor - Nick and Bryson are extremely, experienced, creative and inspiring people. I was priviledged to have a one-to-one lesson and with their assistance create some stunning pieces. The whole experience is truely magical , it's a wonderful working space and you will have the opportunity to suggest , explore and shape your own ideas with their help and expertise. I can highly recommend lessons with BLOWN.
* * * * *
Hi Nick/Jacky I wanted to give a big thank you to both Nick and Bryson for the excellent day they provided to both Amberley and I back in June – We were exceptionally pleased with the amount of items we were able to blow and the expertise received (it’s certainly an art!) together with the amount of effort Nick and Bryson gave to the day. – A thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Thank you again for my fantastic glass experience. As a beginner I was a bit nervous, but you were both so welcoming, and involved me fully - both in working on the pieces and explaining the different processes. It was a lot of fun, and I came away glowing (not just with the heat from the kiln!). I was delighted with the beautiful work I came home with (with a lot of help from my friends!). A brilliant present from all the family.
Dear Nick and Bryson,
I just wanted to say thanks again for a fantastic day last Saturday. You both made me feel very much at home. Despite being a complete novice you patiently allowed me to explore and experiment and begin to find my way with your fascinating craft. Can't wait to have another go at some point.
Cheers
general comments
“"A real surprise”"
Reviewed 23 November 2011 on TripAdvisor - Nick actually can be found blowing/making glass in his workshop above China Blue most days - some fab stuff coming out of his furnace. Also has a shop in the High Street and Dartmouth, apparently.
Hand & Foot Casts
We make beautiful casts of your baby or child's hands and feet in solid glass. Names engraved and date stamped at no extra cost. A lasting memory to treasure. Prices from £22.00.
Gift Vouchers
Choosing a handmade piece of glass as a present can be a bit tricky if you don't know the recipients taste, or maybe you just want to let them chose or commission a piece of their choice. A BLOWN STUDIO GLASS GALLERY VOUCHER could be the perfect solution - you choose how much you want to spend and we will send out a personalised voucher.
These vouchers make wonderful Wedding presents or of course a perfect gift for any other special occasion.
Nick & his team have been busy making beautiful jewel-like glass eggs, each one completely handmade, and so each one unique. As usual, Nick has used a stunning combination of colours, making these a fabulous gift for Easter. Nick is also offering the opportunity for you to come and make your own glass egg in your own choice of colours, under his expert guidance.
Glass egg prices from £18.00 - £30.00
Make your own glass egg £50.00
Studio
China Blue
Station Road
Totnes TQ9 5JR
Totnes Gallery
9 High Street
Totnes
Devon
TQ9 5NN
Tel: 01803 865585
Dartmouth Gallery
2 Smith Street
Dartmouth
TQ6 9QR
Tel: 01803 835123
TS6469
Large Sculpture, triangular base, clear sandblasted with red-blue inclusions 46cm high
£200
TS6583
Luminescent emerald hollow twist Sculpture, darker at base, rounded base 56cm high
7620S
Stunning tall taper sculpture in cobalt & fuschia. height 66 cms
£315
7610S
Freeform sculpture in cobalt & aqua. 36cms w x 13cms h
£75
8057SS
Sandblasted aqua sculpture in aqua blue height 22 cms cms x width 26 cms
£86
8053SS
Dark blue freeform 'v' sculpture height 19 cms x width 36 cms
£90
8343TS
Tall clear, rippling, ice-like sculpture. Simply stunning. height 41 cms
9803DS
Beautiful Blown Sculpture in aqua, white and cobalt 46cm h x 14cm w
£130
9840DS
Solid Sculpture in aqua, emerald & white 37cm h x 16cm h
£135
9021TS
beautiful 'dancing figure' inspired freeform sculpture. Sienna, emerald & aqua smokey swirls in heavy clear glass. h 34 cms widest part 24 cms
£168
9022TS
Sail inspired hollow sculpture in clear and smoke tinted glass with aqua & ultramarine accents
£150
Checkout
6706DV
Stunning Vase in Teal with crimson & white splashes & swirls 26cm high x 20cm wide
£95
7982DV
Beautiful elegant Vase, soft Prussian Blue with amber and green streaks £42cm h x 24cm w
£195
7965DV
Tall rich orange lipped Vase 38cm h x 23 w at top
£110
6762TV
Sculptural Vase, amethyst, aqua & violet swirls 38cm high £185.00
£185
7611SV
attractive denim blue ribbed vase with crimson rim. height 27 cms
£85
8042SV
Asymmertic 'v' vase in bright crimson with dark accents height 33cms
8059SV
Transluscent wide 'V' vase in green & earth tones height 20 cms x width 32 cms
8045SV
Tall flat oval vase in red & charcoal height 22 cms x width 15 cms
8054SV
Pretty pale amethyst & blue 'urn' vase height 36 cms x width 25 cms
8332TV
Elegant fluted rim vase in ribbed aqua, pale lilac & turquoise. 21 cms h x 22 cms w
£98
9526TV
Patch effect rust & aqua tall trumpet shaped vase height 23cms x width 24cms at rim
3524TV
Beautiful contemporary vase in aqua/turquoise with fuschia splashes h 13 cms x dia 12cms
£65
3403TV
Stunning 'patch' crackle effect vase in rust & aqua h 15 cms dia 11 cms
£68
3398TV
Bold vase in black/aubergine ribbed effect with an opaque white interior h 17cms dia 10.5 cms
0065DV
Vase with emerald & brown swirls 18cm high x 6cm wide
£44
0061DV
Beautiful large heavy Vase, Swirls of sky blue, soft greens & rust 26cm high x 18cm wide
£225
7816D
Smokey Greens & Grey "Slipper" Dish 36cm wide x 32cm high
7957TB
Beautiful vivid red & green deep Bowl 21cm h x 30.5cm w
I7953D
Seascape Dish 53cm w x 28cm h
TB6508
Oval Bowl, feathered fuschia with strawberry pip bubbles 44.5cm w x 17cm h £110.00
TB 7067
Transluscent candy pink bowl, pointed oval with tuquoise accents on the rim. 56 cms w x 11cms h
7624S
Unusual double fin bowl type vessel with strong green and blue ribbons of colour. 35 cms x 14 cms x 9 cms
8328TB
Unusual 'folded' corner tall triangular bowl, deep orange with cobalt accents. 13 cms h x 36 cms w
£165
9865DB
Little fuschia Dish 14cm w x 7cm h
£38
9892DB
Beautiful Sculptural Dish, deep reds 45cm w x 16.5 h
£132
9018TB
Unusual bowl in scalloped, fluted glass with a loop at one end. This piece is in scarlet & brown feathered swirls with hints of orange & pale pink h 8 cms x w 16 & 26 cms
9004TB
Fluted rim wide bowl with an emerald base & candy & fuschia stripes with turquoise swirls h 10 cms x w 33 cms
7001TB
Beautiful irridised aqua blue 'sombrero' bowl/dish with metallic gold rim & light crackling to base. h 15 cms x w 34 cms & 56 cms
£190
9016TB
Bold swirl bowl in orange shades. h 8 cms x w 30 cms & 46 cms
£175
0463DB
Plate in subtle clear, aqua, emerald & orange 38cm wide x 11cm high
£205
0464DB
Very big Bowl, aqua, emerald & orange 41cm wide x 22cm high
£335
0465DB
Bowl in minty green, orange & brown swirls 34cm wide x 12cm high
0470DB
Bowl in dark fuschia & cobalt blue 29.5cm wide x 8.5cm high
£115
0066DD
Very pretty shallow Dish, Rusts & Teal 30cm wide x 7.5cm high
Different view of previous piece
0069DD
Dish, bright autumnal oranges, citrus, rust & aqua 41.5cm wide x 7cm high
0071DD
Dish in bright autumnal oranges, rust & aqua 36.5cm wide x 7.5cm high
0073DD
Very pretty Dish in deep orange & aubergine 29cm wide x 4cm high
