National Glass Centre

Exquisite glass sea creatures by a 19th century German glassmaker and his son are to be displayed at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland, in an exhibition curated by Ann Jones. The intricate models of jellyfish and sea slugs represent a remarkable fusion of design, craftsmanship and mass production, according to Jones. Created using lampworking techniques by self-styled ‘natural history artisans’ Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka, the items gave museum-goers in the 1880s a glimpse of deepsea life. ‘[With only] rudimentary equipment, the Blaschkas worked by fusing or gluing clear and coloured glass,’ adds Jones. The exhibition, Blaschkas’ Glass Aquarium, is a joint initiative between the National Glass Centre and the Design Museum. It runs from 7 July to 29 September.