Heroes of the Wheel

An exhibition of glass engravers past and present, specialising in wheel engraving

10th July to 3rd October 2004 @ Broadfield House Glass Museum.

"Children of Summer - the Bear People" by Ronald Pennell, 2003

This exhibition explores the history of wheel engraving and its future as an art form. Many of the country’s best contemporary engravers will be represented, including Peter Dreiser, Alison Kinnaird, Denis Mann and 2003 Jerwood nominee, Katharine Coleman. The exhibition will also feature work by master engravers Jiri Harcuba and Ronald Pennell, both honorary members of the Council of the University of Prague. The rare art of a seal engraver Ian Hammond, who engraves on rock crystal, will also be on show. Many of the exhibits will be on loan from the artists, including some new work created especially for the exhibition.

There will be a display of historical glass engraved by some of the famous names from the past, such as Zach, Böhm and Fritsche, as well as unsung heroes who worked in the Stourbridge glass industry. Pieces from the Museum collection will be shown alongside works by more recent engravers, including the work of artists working in the industry today. What is particularly interesting about these artists is that they continue to utilize and develop traditional skills and classic styles of wheel engraving, despite the lure of less laborious techniques.

“Heroes of the Wheel” runs from 10th July to 3rd October 2004 and admission to the Museum is free during normal opening hours, Tuesday to Sunday, 12noon to 4pm.

The Museum opening hours will be extended to 10am to 4pm on 28th, 29th and 30th August, during the 2004 International Festival of Glass. As part of the Festival programme, there will be a day of engraving demonstrations at the Glass Museum on Saturday 28th August, including wheel-engraving demonstrations by contemporary glass artist Katharine Coleman and stipple-engraving demonstrations byglassmaker Doug Burgess.

For more information, please contact Broadfield House Glass Museum on +44 (0)1384 812745 or visit www.glassmuseum.org.uk.