- Vic Bamforth
- Work
| Born in Hull, East Yorkshire, in 1952, Vic Bamforth's first hands-on experience with hot glass came about during a part time evening course in 2000. The following summer a piece of his work was selected for inclusion in the Victoria & Albert Museum's 'Inspired by' exhibition. This 'inspired' Vic to pursue his interest full time at the internationally renowned International Glass Centre in Dudley, West Midlands. Vic graduated from the college in 2004 with a diploma in Glass Techniques and Technology and an Advanced Diploma in Glass Design. He was awarded a bursary from the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London to assist with study and subsequently won an award for the 'Best Interpretation of Glass Quality'.
Vic currently makes glass at the Red House Glass Cone in Stourbridge, West Midlands, UK, after winning a scholarship to further develop skills, techniques and creative ideas. The basics that drive his work are colour, movement and the unique properties and qualities of the medium. Inspiration is drawn from life’s experiences – people he has met, and the world around him. The blown form has provided him with an ideal three-dimensional canvas to carry expressive, figurative/non figurative content infused with a sense of humour. Vic is a specialist in the Graal technique producing one-off vibrantly painted pieces using high firing enamels. It is this work that is gaining Vic international recognition and is becoming increasingly sought after by collectors worldwide. All of Vic's pieces are unique having been hand blown and painted. This combined with his own personal approach to glass making, results in works that are unusual and quirky. Education, Qualifications and Training 1999-2001 Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College, High Wycombe, Bucks Part-time evening course in Hot Glass 2001-2004 International Glass Centre, Brierley Hill, Dudley, West Midlands OCNWM Glass Techniques and Technology. Advanced Diploma in Glass Design. 2004 Glass Melting Furnace Building Masterclass led by Richard Golding (Okra glass) during the International Festival of Glass. Selected Exhibitions 2010 SOFA - New York, ZeST Gallery, UK Affordable Art Fair London - UK, Cohesion Heavenly Scent - Glass Art Gallery, UK 2009 Edinburgh Art Fair. No.9 The Gallery, UK 2009 Affordable Art Fair London - UK. Cohesion Guild of Glass Engravers, UK 2008 Winter 2008 Exhibition - The Gallery Upstairs, UK Edinburgh Art Fair. (No.9 The Gallery, Birmingham) Affordable Art Fair Birmingham - UK. (Cohesion) Interiors & Lifestyle Showcase - Brussels, Belgium Crystal Canvas - Guild of Glass Engravers, UK British Glass Biennale 2008 - Stourbridge, UK Exhibition with brother Ian - Susan Megson Gallery, UK Glass 2008 Exhibition - Pyramid Gallery, UK Solo Exhibition - The Neville Pundole Gallery, UK Showcase - ZeST Gallery, UK 2007 SOFA - Chicago, USA. (ZeST Gallery UK) ORIGIN - The London Craft Fair, UK 'Figured Out' - ZeST Gallery, UK “1000 Glass Miles” - Erwin Eisch Gallery, Germany Wheaton Arts Glass Weekend 2007 - N. Jersey, USA Interiors Lifestyle - Tokyo, Japan Showcase - ZeST Gallery, UK 2006 SOFA - Chicago, USA. (ZeST Gallery UK) "Where are they now"- Int Festival of Glass, Stourb'dge 2005 New Studio Glass - Cecilia Colman Gallery, UK LOVE Contemporary Glass - Red House Cone, UK "A Glazed Look" - Ropewalk Gallery, UK 2002/3 New Designers - Business Design Centre, UK 2002/3/4 1st and 2nd Gather - Himley Hall, UK 2002 "Brit. Handmade" - New Delhi, India 2001 “Inspired by”, V&A, London, UK Awards 2005/6 Hot Glass Internship, Red House Glass Cone, Stourbridge 2002 Sam Robinson Award for “Best Interpretation of Glass Quality” 2001 Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London Bursary |