Peter Layton – the internationally renowned glass artist and one of the founding fathers of British studio glass – has received a Lifetime Achievement Award at Collect, the leading international art fair for contemporary craft and design. The award celebrates an individual whose influence has shaped the wider field of contemporary craft and design, as well as Collect itself. This inaugural honour has been presented to Peter in recognition of his exceptional contribution to British studio glass, as both a pioneering artist and the founder of London Glassblowing. At 88, Peter remains one of the world’s oldest actively practising glass artists whose Bermondsey Street London Glassblowing Studio celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year, marking five decades at the forefront of British glass art.
Peter has played a major part in elevating glass to a highly collectable art form. From first producing studio glass in 1976, at a time where there was little market for the medium, he has since influenced, encouraged, and nurtured several of this country’s leading glassmakers and has inspired many more internationally. London Glassblowing has a reputation as one of Europe’s leading glassmaking workshops with a particular flair for the use of colour, form and texture.
This year’s award marks two parallel milestones: Peter Layton’s ongoing artistic vitality – with a practice that remains active and evolving as he approaches his 90th birthday in 2027 – and the lasting industry impact of London Glassblowing as it marks its 50th anniversary.
Peter says, “I am absolutely delighted to be receiving this lifetime achievement award and to be its first recipient. Gaining recognition for this extraordinary medium has been my mission for the past fifty years and this award is a positive acknowledgement of that endeavour. I dedicate this award to all the talented artists who have worked beside me as part of the London Glassblowing family for the last five decades. I am so proud of them and all we have achieved together.”
