Full Day Glassblowing Course

Hi, I’m Jonathan, a professional glassblower based just outside Cambridge.I began my journey in glass over 30 years ago as a 16-year-old apprentice in Cambridge, before going on to study at Edinburgh College of Art. Early in my career, I was awarded the prestigious Broadfield House Scholarship in Stourbridge, which allowed me to further develop my practice before setting up my own independent studio.Today, I create contemporary lighting and vessels, often using intricate canework patterns and hand-carved battuto surfaces—techniques that give the work depth, texture, and a quiet, refined feel.In 2024, we moved into a purpose-built glassblowing studio on our own rural North Essex site. The studio sits alongside our home, creating a welcoming, personal environment while still being fully equipped with professional, state-of-the-art furnaces and tools—giving you the chance to experience glassblowing in a spacious, well-equipped working artist’s studio.I’ve been teaching glassblowing for over 10 years, working with both complete beginners and more advanced students. All courses are taught personally by me—I don’t outsource teaching—so you’ll be guided directly throughout your experience.I keep class sizes intentionally small, with a maximum of two students for one-day and half-day courses (unless booked as a private group). This allows for a genuinely hands-on experience, with plenty of time working with the glass yourself rather than just watching. Shorter seasonal experiences, such as baubles and pumpkins, are limited to small groups to keep things personal and engaging.What I particularly enjoy about teaching is the opportunity to meet such a wide range of people. Working as a maker can often be quite solitary, so it’s incredibly rewarding to share my craft while also hearing about the different careers, experiences, and perspectives that people bring with them. I genuinely learn a lot from my students, even as I’m guiding them through the process.Glassblowing is an incredibly absorbing process—working with molten glass straight from the furnace is something most people never experience, and it’s what makes these sessions so memorable. I guide you step-by-step so you can safely shape and blow your own pieces, leaving with something you’ve made yourself.