A wealthy American collector bought the work of a British glassmaker just 24 hours after it appeared in London's Vessel Gallery window.
Laura Hart from Sudbury, Suffolk, has forged a niche by producing glass butterflies with a difference.
“These are fully three dimensional entomological specimens with sterling silver legs, antennae and proboscis measuring between eight and 10 inches across,” explains Laura. “Inside their specially made cabinets they look like they are perching like real insects. The first series of five were months in development to perfect the combination of fused wings and cast bodies. I also had to teach myself some silversmithing techniques, so I've acquired another very useful skill!"
Laura is now busy making five new butterflies; each unique and selling for £2,000 in specially designed display cabinets. “Because all the processes are now in place it should take me less time to produce these five,” she says. "But every new species raises different challenges, so I never underestimate the creation time. The worst thing you can possibly do with glass is try to hurry it along."
www.hartglass.com
www.hartglass.com
