I am excited to report that I have been chosen as the editor of the Contemporary Glass Society’s (CGS) new publication, Glass Network digital. This online magazine will be launched as part of the CGS’s new website, which should go live in July 2020.

The appointment came about as the Society was looking for a new editor for its respected and long-standing print magazine, Glass Network. However, the board members were open to suggestions for how to take the magazine forward. The shortlisted candidates were interviewed over video link, the coronavirus pandemic having hit the UK by then.

My proposal was for a ‘digital first’ magazine, comprising news and in-depth features, that would sit in a dedicated area of the website, along with a monthly newsletter sent out to the CGS membership of almost 1,000 people, with links to all the latest content.

The board members were torn between my idea and keeping a printed publication. In the end, they decided to have both and appointed two editors, one for the digital magazine and another to carry on the print tradition with the physical Glass Network magazine. The idea is that the two publications will complement one another and provide a perfect mix of content for readers.

Having a rolling publication of news and articles live on the website will help anyone interested in glass art and activities to keep up to date at all times.

I have lots of ideas for content that I hope will inspire and educate the readers. And, being keen on stained glass myself, of course I shall feature one of my stained glass heroes early on… but you will have to wait to see who that is!

Giving back to Contemporary Glass Society

When I was setting up my stained glass business in 2012, I discovered the CGS online and an opportunity to have glass work exhibited at the beautiful location of Blackwell, the Arts and Crafts House in Cumbria. I had visited this lovely building previously and fallen in love with the warm and creative spaces, full of Arts and Crafts style and interiors pieces. I was inspired to create my ‘Marbellous’ lamp shade using the Tiffany copper foil technique. I submitted images of the work and waited to hear if the prestigious selection committee would choose my piece.

I was thrilled to be included in this exhibition alongside some of the great names in contemporary glass. This success spurred me on with my glass business and, as you know, I am still here creating new work all the time.

So I am grateful for that early opportunity with CGS and look forward to giving something back to the organisation through the new Glass Network digital magazine. Of course I shall continue with my stained glass work and fit in the editing role alongside. As they say, if you want a job done, ask a busy person!

If you are interested in the work of the CGS, check out the current website at https://cgs.org.uk . This charitable organisation exists to promote contemporary glass through sharing inspiration, exhibitions and information, and has a large number of resources on the topic. The new website will continue and expand on this tradition. Whether you are a glass artist yourself, or wish to start collecting glass, there are hundreds of glass artists and collectors who are members of CGS, using a variety of different styles and techniques. You can find out about them via the CGS website. You could also join up – there are many benefits and you will be supporting a worthy cause too.