After a year of hard work, Isle of Wight Glass Museum, located at Arreton Barns, the Island’s largest arts and crafts centre in the heart of the Isle of Wight, is to open its doors to the public next Saturday (19th March).
The museum will showcase glass produced by the Island’s many studios, past and present, as well as a fine collection of European Art Deco glass.
Around one thousand pieces will be on show on two floors of exhibition space at opening.
Anton Doroszenko, museum founder and director said:
“Anticipation of the opening of the museum has created quite a buzz amongst glass enthusiasts since an announcement was made last October. It is no exaggeration to say that the glass displays viewed during preparation for opening have provoked gasps of amazement, even by seasoned glass makers.”
Around two-thirds of the exhibits were produced by Isle of Wight Studio Glass whose studio is located next door to the museum. A large collection was also contributed by Alum Bay Glass. These two studios were the first to be established on the Island in the early 1970s. Additionally, Jonathan Harris Studio Glass has generous provided a stunning collection of cameo and graal glass as well as other innovative designs.
In recognition of their place in establishing the Isle of Wight in the consciousness of glass enthusiasts around the world, Timothy Harris, master glass maker at Isle of Wight Studio Glass, and Michael Rayner, founder of Alum Bay Glass, will cut the ceremonial ribbon at the museum opening.
Following the ribbon cutting a series of short talks will be given by personalities in the glass world, including Mark Hill, well-known expert on the BBC Antiques Roadshow and co-presenter of Cracking Antiques, Uncovering Antiques and Collectaholics for BBC2; Richard Harris, managing director of Isle of Wight Studio Glass; Michael Rayner; Timothy Harris; and Ron Wheeler, the foremost expert on Isle of Wight Studio Glass, having been a dealer in the studio’s glass for over 35 years.
Topics to be covered by the talks include a brief history behind the forming of the museum; the story of the founding of Isle of Wight Studio Glass and its forebear Mdina Glass on Malta by Michael Harris; and the glass maker’s, market and collector’s perspectives of the museum.
A real treat for visitors to the museum will be to see Mark Hill’s collection of Mdina glass produced during the period when the Harris family owned the studio on Malta and early pieces of Isle of Wight Studio Glass produced by the studio when it was at St. Lawrence, near Ventnor. The museum was fortunate to be able to buy the collection recently. Mark literally wrote the book on the glass made by Michael Harris and many of the items illustrated in his popular book will be in the museum.
