Small Bowl ‘Nougat XIII’ by Will Shakspeare

The small bowl is the artwork of an avid pebble collector. Will found his inspiration while on holiday in Crete.

The rich pattern is a spotted delight of ravishing colours that will delight the senses.

At 14cm tall, it is perfect for a sunny sill, side table or mantel shelf.

Artist’s Statement

I am an inveterate pebble collector with a particular liking for ones that are nice and stripy. However, on holiday in Crete with my family, we came across a beach that just had the most amazing spotty pebbles. The huge number of nudists playing volleyball couldn’t even distract me. It is not such a big leap of faith to then get to the finished range of bowls, vases and perfume bottles you see here.

Small Bowl – Artist

Will Shakspeare, of Shakspeare Glass, is one of the UK’s best-known glass blowers. He set up Shakspeare Glass over 25 years ago and has achieved great success with his uniquely creative glass art.

Based at his studio in Langport, Somerset, Will works with a small and talented team of glass assistants. He is a keen member of the community and has had lots of great help with the business from some lovely locals.

More recently, his wife Kate has joined the team, who manages sales and marketing. More recently, Will has been joined by his wife Kate, who manages sales and marketing. Shakspeare Glass has featured regularly in the press and on TV, including:

• Featured on Kirstie’s Homemade Home Channel 4
• Featured on ‘Kirstie’s Homemade Christmas’ Channel 4
• ’Original Features’ Nick Knowles UKTV
• ‘Inside the Factory’ BBC 2
• Telegraph Magazine with David Nicholls.

Many galleries and shops, as well as private collections, both in the UK and internationally, hold Will’s work.

He says: “I make a wide range of different designs which are constantly evolving. I deliberately design glass with a random factor, something that is out of my control. I also try and use colour so that it affects the final shape of the piece in a natural, fluid way. It means that I work with the glass rather than completely imposing my own ‘will’ on it as it were!”

Will draws great inspiration from water. “There is something magical about it. I especially love rock pools; they fascinated me when I was small, and they still do. I believe that glass is the perfect medium to capture the qualities I love about the sea and water in a way no other can.

Through each piece, my inspiration from the world around me is evident; my surroundings and experiences are inextricably linked to my work. However, the making process, the history, and the ideas are only a part. Just as important is what each piece says to you as you hold and look at it. Above all, I want my work to speak for itself.”