Collecting Peter Layton glass

ABOVE (left-right): Yellow Paradiso bottle, 2006, £1,000-£1,500; Kimono ovoid vase, 1989, £400-£600.

Peter Layton’s unique glass forms make a statement, alone or as part of a collection, says Judith Miller.

Peter Layton was born in Prague in 1937, and brought up in England. He studied ceramics at the Central School of Art and Design in London, but later discovered glassblowing while teaching at the University of Iowa in the 1970s. Largely selftaught, Peter established his own glass studio at his pottery at Morar in the Highlands of Scotland, before moving back to London. He went on to start a glass department at Hornsey College of Art (Middlesex University), and founded the influential London Glassblowing workshop in 1976. Layton has since played a major role in the progression of studio glass in Britain: as well as mentoring many new makers and designers – helping them develop their style and identity – he has provided them with facilities to enable them to work.

ABOVE (left-right): Ariel stone form vase, 2006, £300-£400; Turquoise Paradiso, c2007, £800-£1,000.

Layton’s own designs are inspired by the fluidity of molten glass, vivid colour and controlled asymmetric form; nature and landscape are also influences. Pieces are typically built up using a number of layers of glass with patterns being created by applying colour swirls, speckles and trails. Smooth, rounded vases suggested by pebbles are typical, and the ‘dropper’ bottle with its thin, elongated neck is a hallmark form that can be seen in many of his ranges. Layton’s work is found in many private and public collections; famous collectors include Sir Elton John and the Duchess of Kent.

ABOVE (left-right): Spirale stone form, c2005, £700-£1,000; Aurora ovoid vase, c2005, £300-£500.

Tips for collectors

• As every piece is handmade and free blown, each one is unique in terms of its precise form and patterning.

• Value depends on the size, range, colour, and complexity of the design; prices start from £150 but can reach over £5,000.

• Peter Layton says: ‘Focus on the qualities you really enjoy when choosing something, even if you intend to give it away; you can then do so with sincere enthusiasm.’

• You can buy pieces or enquire about a commission at londonglassblowing.co.uk (020 7403 2800).

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WORDS JUDITH MILLER PHOTOGRAPHS GRAHAM COOLEY COLLECTION
Featured in the August 2011 issue f Period Living

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