Empoli Jar with Spike

Empoli Jar with Spike, is a unique art glass jar by British glass artist James Lethbridge. Blown glass with gilding on the inside. The outer layer is covered in flameworked decoration and adornment. The piece has a removable top lid.

Initially following a career choice in production ceramics and gaining an in-depth knowledge of processes, it was in 2003 that Lethbridge was lured to study glass. This was to be a life-changing moment as this new medium soon become his material of choice. Enthralled by the transparency and liquid nature of molten glass, repetitive throwing made way for a more experimental making process. In 2005, Lethbridge applied to the Royal College of Art where he then developed his range of glass skills as well as greatly increasing his body of work, both aiding his confidence and belief in his chosen practice.

Since graduating, Lethbridge has developed a reputation for his unique artworks, creating one-off sculptural and lighting pieces. With an inventive approach to glassmaking, Lethbridge’s pieces are instantly recognisable and highly desired. His glass pieces often incorporate a multitude of glass thorns, shards and tendrils. The act of repetitious making has stayed a constant for Lethbridge but now with entirely different end results.

The sources of inspiration in his own words;

“Through the study of botanical sources of inspiration, my work exists as pieces of collected, abstracted, surreal and almost alien pieces of sculptural glass. Derived from many different points of reference, such as twisting vines and microscopic pollen, I explore form, space, material and texture, using only the purity and fluidity of hot transparent glass and light. Through my work, I attempt to communicate my feelings towards the material adding a flourish of organic surrealism.”