Maggie Williams designs her handmade glass in Lincoln and then hires a studio, Top Glass at the Jinney Ring near Droitwich, to make her work. Her ideas are drawn from the natural world, in particular tropical plants with their luscious colours and shapes. From cacti to the deadly carnivorous pitcher plant, all these plant forms are a constant source of inspiration.
All work is mouth-blown and hand-finished, making each piece unique. Maggie did a degree in ceramics and glass at De Montfort University in Leicester which she started in 2000 as a mature student of 50. Previously she had been a nurse, and also brought up four children. Maggie took up ceramics at an evening class and when her last child went to school decided to apply to art college, something she had always wanted to do. She fully expected to continue with ceramics, but in her second year got “bitten by the glass bug”.
Maggie’s unique Eden hanging vases can be hung in large numbers in offices, restaurants and other spaces, or in smaller groups in a house or an apartment. Her design process is demanding and the discipline of design through making into marketing is essential.
Maggie says, “Working with hot glass is bewitching, addictive, challenging and often frustrating and a continuing learning curve.” For commission work, time spent with the customer is both essential and enjoyable. The large range of colours allows choice and creativity in interior design projects for both corporate installations and individual clients.
WINNER OF THE BBC HOMES AND ANTIQUES TALENT AROUND BRITAIN AWARD 2006
Maggie Williams is one of the Design-Nation Fellows.
