William Shakspeare Glass
Biography, History & Origination
Will Shakspeare was born in 1961 in Birmingham. He studied three-dimensional design at West Surrey College of Art and Design before coming a technician and part-time tutor in ceramics and glass at the Buckinghamshire College of Higher Education. In 1988 he set up his first workshop working in glass. His glass is all blown totally by hand using tools and techniques which essentially have not changed for thousands of years, although the technology has obviously improved. Known for his expansive use of bright colours Will has always made a wide range of work, from monolithic cast glass wall pieces to delicate perfume bottles with impossible stoppers. These extremes cause Will constant pain, amusement and satisfaction and their making provides both physical and mental challenges. His work has always been characterized by strong pattern and bright colour, with many different influences shining through. The tableaux range has a strong feeling of water and rock pools whilst the Zephyr range has an idea of clouds. Each piece is blown from recycled Dartington 24% lead crystal and the colour is added in the making process in a variety of ways. The patterns that Will uses are deliberately random to emphasise the individuality of every piece. It is an aspect of the work that he finds particularly important. Will however prefers not to talk too much about his work. He has always believed that his glass should speak for itself and hopefully not need a backup description. He says ‘just enjoy it’ you don’t need to analyse the thing.’ All of Will Shakspeare’s Glass is handmade in Taunton, using traditional tools and techniques which essentially have not changed for a thousand years or so- although the materials to make them have improved. The glass is free blown- which means that each piece is different, similar maybe, but always different. Many of the designs are quite fluid and rely on the colour reacting within the blowing process which then influences the shape. Will’s favourite method of making glass is casting. Not using a mould but gathering large amounts of glass from the furnace and working with it before it sets. A release from the structure and laws of blowing glass, this work is largely based on rock pools, an enduring passion, shimmering, half hidden, fragile and self contained. A place for dreams and secrets.