Icefire4glass

process

Icefire Glass
Studio 9, Antartex Village,
Lomond Industrial Estate, Alexandria,
West Dunbartonshire,
Scotland,
United Kingdom.
fax/phone:#44(0)1389 755928
Welcome /Examples /Contact (text)

	Following a glass design course at Stourbridge College of Art, John opened his first studio in 1976. From 1984 he worked, with his wife Anne, from their studio at Ruthin Craft Centre where they produced decorative pieces in the form of birds, animals and mythological beasts, in addition to functional perfume bottles and vases. A speciality was dragons, ranging from red Welsh Dragons to exotic oriental and fantasy creations where they were able to let their imaginations run wild! At the beginning of 2004, John and Anne fulfilled a dream and moved to Scotland. They have opened a studio at Antartex Village, near Loch Lomond, under the name 'Icefire Glass'. They still produce ornamental glass, but are extending the range to include items with a Scottish theme such a heraldic lions, stags, golf trophies and clan coats of arms, as well as continuing with mail order and internet sales. We execute many special commissions , some have included pieces presented to HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, HRH The Prince of Wales, The Royal Welch Fusiliers as well as major corporations within the UK and abroad. Each and every piece is unique. We are able to make a special one off for a collector, or meet the needs of a large international corporation requiring up to 500 gifts.
	The glass used in the manufacturing process is borosilicate, this is approximately three times the strength of window glass, and gives the finished produce a durability belied by its appearance. It also enables us to export a large quantity all over the world. Colour is applied using special metalic glass lustres, a technique also used by the ancient Egyptians, before being fired to 600ºc in one of our kilns.
	Our studio is situated within the Antartex Village, Alexandria, near the shores of beautiful Loch Lomond, on route to the fabled Highlands. Visitors are most welcome to visit the studio. A point to bear in mind, in particular to all over anxious parents and grandparents - We are more than happy for children to come in and see the glass being made, AND handle items on display. To date we have had no breakages! It is good to see how happy the children are, and to answer any questions. While you are in the 'village', take the opportunity to visit some of the other attractions here, such as the kilt makers, the Whisky Shop, or see the famous Antartex coats being made