Canberra Glassworks… January 2025
’History- the paraphernalia of my interior life' is underway at the Canberra Glassworks. Curated by Aimee Frodsham, the exhibition integrates new glasswork with textiles, furniture, and objects from my studio.
'The paraphernalia of Martyn Thompson’s life is a cabinet of curiosities, where objects and memories come together as fragments of personal history. The word paraphernalia, rooted in ancient Greek and Roman law, initially referred to a woman's belongings beyond her dowry. Over time, it has come to represent the meaningful objects that carry pieces of our identity and emotions. The objects within this exhibition go beyond possessions—they reflect beauty, intimacy, and the stories that connect us to our spaces'
Aimee Frodsam
Here is a look at parts of the process and the installation itself.
The glassworks is in a heritage-listed electricity sub-station in Kingston, ACT. The building itself is a treasure of industrial textures. The glass furnaces are housed in what appears a cathedral-like space with its vaulted ceiling and massive windows. Suitably dramatic for the creation of glass objects. A process imbued with a certain magic.
I'm often overwhelmed watching glassblower Tom Rowney and his crew. The intense team work required, the constant communication and coordination and the sheer physical effort that transforms a small piece of glass into a wondrous object in the space of 90 minutes.
The exhibit runs from 16 January to 23 March, 2025. I will give a Gallery Floor Talk on Saturday 22 February at 2pm.
Thank you Tom Rowney and Aimee Frodsham for bringing this show to life.
Email andy@oigallprojects.com for catalog and sales info.
Working drawings for the tower on the blackboard by the furnace. It took a team of 4 to 5 people to make each large piece. .
Glassblower Tom Rowney is the master. At work here on the tower base.
Cathedral-like.
Work in progress.
The inspiration for the glass tower was this ceramic Cupid vase. But the tower kept on growing.
Much heavier than it looks.
Kiln-formed glass colour test.
Looking through the exhibit.
Glassworks creative director, Aimee Frodsham introduced and encouraged me to try this kiln-formed glass process. These checkered screen pieces are based on a jacquard textile screen I made a few years ago..
Vessel 4.
Checkered screens and hand-blown glass vessels on jacquard covered plinths.
Vessel 3.
The line up....I'm in love with the pop of blue glass.
Vessel 7.
Kiln-formed glass box-light and a mustard Penny Vase sitting on an Art Deco dresser from Shanghai.
A jacquard textile screen in the background.