We would firstly like to thank Mark Hill and Andy McConnell for their time and help on our very first 'Studio Day' at IOWSG. Secondly and not any less important a big thanks to all of the Collectors that were able to attend without whom the day would not of been possible. Also a big thanks to Ron & Ann Wheeler for their help with the smooth running of the day. The day exceded all expectations and we were very lucky to get to meet and talk to some of our keenest collectors whom in most cases we had only spoken to over the telephone. All of the staff here had a great day meeting everyone.

We started off with a welcome and introduction of the staff, by Ron, to all of our guests which included an early morning coffee/tea. Mark Hill started the ball rolling with a slide show and a brief discussion on the history of Michael Harris and the early history of Mdina and IOWSG. All of our guests were then tempted with more refreshments and a very tempting morning cake! Which went down very well! Timothy and Clare started the demonstrations off with half the collectors able to watch him make a piece of Undercliff and a piece of Graal. The other glassmakers, Peter Riley, Roger Pike, Paul Pollard and Keith Pollard demonstrated the process of one of our other collections, this was enjoyed by the second group of collectors, whom also had the opportunity of creating a master piece, well actually blowing a big bubble!

They were also entertained by Marcus Dennington our head coldworker (grinder) who explained the process of a piece and also the process of the cold work. Ron had the pleasure of explaining the Undercliff & Graal process to the first group of collectors who were watching Timothy & Clare, which I will add was done with a certain amount of expertise considering it was his first time! Unfortunately with so many people in a smallish studio the air temperature began to rise after a while so a break from the demonstrations was very welcome and everyone headed for the refreshment area for a bite to eat from a superb spread laid on by the catering company 'Posh Nosh' of Ventnor. Most people also used the time to wonder around the outside of the studio to take in some of the sea air and soak up some of the sunshine.

Once everyone was fully refreshed and had eaten well we carried on with the days entertainment. First up was a very informative talk by Andy McConnell about 20th Century Glass which also included a slide show of the items he was talking about. This was followed by more demonstrations from both teams of glassmakers but the two groups of collectors were able to swop places and see something new and have ago (lots more big bubbles!).

The Grand Finale came later on in the afternoon after everyone had once again taken refreshments. This was the unveiling of the 'Studio Day' pieces designed and made by Timothy Harris, these pieces were only available to collectors who attended the event. Timothy Harris then went on to make a 'Studio Day' piece as the final demonstration of the day. This was eagerly watched by everyone.

The Photo Gallery - click on the image to view a larger picture (they are in no particular order) If anyone else has any images from the day and they would like to share them with everyone then please send them to me and I will place them here.