STUART AKROYD Glass

After graduating from Sunderland Polytechnic in 1988, Stuart worked at the International Glass Centre, Brierley Hill, and then as head production designer-maker at a factory in the Lake District. In 1991 he returned to Sunderland to teach glassmaking at the University and set up his own studio. Today his work is fresh and confident, specialising in stunningly pure, asymmetrical designs executed in a wide range of vibrant colours and often inspired by natural forms.

The cold working techniques introduced over the years - which include carving and polishing - give the surfaces of his pieces a wonderful pattern and movement, often with intriguing optical effects. Stuarts work is represented by many leading galleries and larger more complex pieces can be seen in many private collections.