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Timothy Harris - Managing Director & Mastercraftsmen - "I first became involved in glass in Malta, home of 'Mdina Glass' where the interest in glassmaking was tried & encouraged by my father. Passion came years later via hard work & frustration. I am seldom satisfied with my results. Glass is a viscous material, ever evolving into surprising results, I guess that's 'time passion'.
It is very rewarding to steer the company, Isle of Wight Studio Glass, together with an enthusiastic and talented team. My journey continues."
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Elizabeth Harris - Senior Director - "My glass journey has been a long one, Art & Design trained at Stourbridge. The seeds were sown even though my interests were with textile design. Having ventured into that world as a freelance designer it was cut short by meeting Michael at college & the journey has continued in the glass direction ever since. My newest venture is creating glass pictures using shearings & off-cuts from the craftsmens work, so regenerating the waste materials."
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Angela Clayton - Studio Manager - "Born & lived in Somerset up until 18 months. I joined IOWSG in June 2009 as Studio Manager to assist The Harris family in the running of the Studio. I have always had a financial & training background, so my main roles are Finance & liaising with the Directors. Being Studio Manager can be a challenging role but is also very enjoyable & rewarding, working alongside a very friendly and jolly team. I am glad I moved to the Isle of Wight and could not see myself living anywhere else now."
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Claire Shahrivar
Back now part time.
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David Tolley - "I started from leaving school part time in 1984. Firstly assisting and being taught by the head glassmakers (including Michael Harris) until late 1980's when I progressed to bench work for the next ten years. In 1999 I became more involved in the office administration and IT work. My position now is full time in the office covering ecommerce, collectors' club, graphic design for advertising and website and outside retail sales."
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Keith Pollard - "Born Liskeard, Cornwall, left school at 16, walked into the local studio and asked for a job and stayed with them for 6 years. I came to IOWS glass in march 1983 and have been here ever since.
I live within walking distance of the studio and enjoy all the rural aspects of the area. I have no plans to leave such a nice area."
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Marcus Dennington - "I returned to the island in 1975, somewhat disillusioned after spending 15 years in the hotel, restaurant & catering industry in the West End, realising I wanted a more creative career. Mike Harris needed a person of commitment to work on the cold side so I joined the company in September 1980 at 34 & have been here ever since. I also assist on the hot work and do the group talks to schools, colleges & adult groups.The product & environment is inspiring and I have enjoyed my change of career."
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Pam Murphy - "I commenced work at the Godshill Gallery when it opened in 2009. I enjoy working in the gallery, which I manage 4 to 5 days a week. I find it very interesting to talk to visitors to the island, many of whom also visit the studio to see the glassmaking. Customers are extremely complimentary on the glassware collections and their presentation."
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Perron Phipps - "After finishing my A levels on the island, I chose to go to Bournemouth university to specialize in Applied Art and Design. I learnt the basic skills of glass blowing from my tutor Robert Marshall. After my first year I was to complete a 5 week work placement, which I chose to ask Tim if I could complete this with his team due to their inspiring history of the studio and of course their work. Since 2008, I have completed my Ba Hons and intend to create a career with this great team."
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Peter Riley - "Foundation, Shrewsbury School of Art. BA Art Design, Stourbridge College of Art. Liskard Glass Cornwall, glass blower for one year. Cowdy Glass Gloucestershire, glass blower for two years. Joined glassmaking team at IOWSG in 1980, learning new skills under the instruction of Mike Harris.
Since 2004 I have split my time between IOWSG and Glass restoration with ‘The Glass Blowers Ltd’ in Colwell, IOW. "
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Roger Pike - "First joined IOWSG in 1988, where I learnt the basics of glassmaking and became gatherer for the top team. Left to branch out to widen my skills in lampwork (spun glass) eventually opening my own studio. Returned to IOWSG, splitting my time between glassmaking, assisting Timothy when needed, cold work and maintenance."
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Ron Wheeler - Now Retired - "I was born on the Island, moved to London in 1961 and finally to the west country. After a long career in sales I started a freelance career as an agent representing mainly British Studio Glass makers. I met Michael & Liz Harris at a Gift Fair in 1978 & a short while later became one of their first agents covering the West Country for the Studio .
This still remains the world beating product I am the most passionate about. I retired as an agent 10 years ago and have since joined the IoWSG to pursue that aim."
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Di Simpson - "I am a part time (seasonal) studio shop assistant having joined the company 5 years ago. Normally working on saturdays and alternate mondays at the studio and also wednesdays in the Gallery at Godshill. I really enjoy working as part of our very friendly team"
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Jake - "Previous to working for IOWSG I was employed as the 3D Design Technician at the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham. Alongside my work & studies I have always seeked to work with a variety of highly skilled glassmakers, so when the opportunity to work here became available I was keen to be involved with such a well respected business. My role is to assist with the production of glass and so far my time here has taught me many new ways of working and re-affirmed my passion for this amazing material." Now left to set up his own glassworks. 31/10/10. Good luck Jake!
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Nicolas Hautbois - "I'm the french assistant of the studio (I think everyone should have one!). My job is to help the glassblowers when they make pieces (gathering blobs, protecting their arms from the heat, etc.). I used to work in several workshops in France, then I came here, after seeing this website, in february 2010. For a beginner like me, working in this work shop is perfect. I have learnt a lot with all the skilled gaffers. Left to work in France - June 2010."
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Marlene Bristow - "I came from Malta where I worked at Mdina Glass, then owned by Mr M Harris, to join the IOW Studio Glass in 1973. I have worked on and off through the 37 years of history in sales at the onsite studio showroom. It has been and still is wonderful and I feel honoured to have the opportunity to watch and be a part of such colourful, skilful works of art. Now Retired - 01/10/10."
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Chris Lucas - "I started work at IOW Studio Glass being taught by Tim and his late father. In 1990 I was asked to work at Gozo Glass in Malta where I helped to train others and run the studio. I then returned to England to continue work at the studio to further my glassmaking skills. I have now returned to the studio after working fo a few years in sales & marketing elsewhere, to work with Tim and the team. I really enjoy working with this medium and hope to continue doing so." No longer with us."
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