20^th and 21^st Century Glass.

In August Helena Hawke facilitated a discussion on 20th and 21st century glass and shared these thoughts. Lalique began as a jewellery designer but early in the 20^th century he began to make glass. Early designs included perfume bottles and also car mascots, lamps and statuettes etc. Art Nouveau and Art Deco inspired his designs. The natural world of fruit, flowers, birds and animals as well as the human figure were typical. His glass was generally press moulded in frosted or opalescent white. Colour is rare. They are normally signed.

Scandinavian glass has influenced New Zealand glass makers. Orrefors and Kosta Boda employed designers. Their work reflects the strong, simple modernist lines that are also a feature of architecture and furniture design. Hoglund glass near Nelson is built on the Scandinavian tradition. Their work is predominantly blown glass in bold colours and shapes. Art glass is now being made in workshops all over the country.

Ann Robinson was a pioneer in the technique of cast glass in sculptural shapes abstracted from natural forms. Emma Camden and Christine Cathie have followed her lead. But the range and types of glass being made here is now enormous. The glass being produced is of a very high quality. It is admired and collected.