Exquisite Glass from Shepperton

It may have a small stand, but one of the biggest draws of this year’s show is proving to be the new range of exquisite patterned glasses, designed and produced by Paul Hanna of Shepperton Glass.

The eight designs, which took five years to develop, are being snapped up by glass merchants and buyers who are delighted to see some fresh and attractive new patterns in what had become a fairly jaded market.

Paul Hanna, who has 20 years experience in the glass business, set up his own Middlesex-based company seven years ago. He quickly specialised in depth sandblasting, gold-leafing, acid embossing and texturing, creating exquisite glasses from customer’s original artwork, architect’s ideas and photographs. But he also found that there was a large demand for good-quality patterned glass for partitions, balustrade panels, door panels and shower doors.

"But it’s not easy to produce new styles," he says, "because you need a good knowledge not just of glass, but of artwork, photography and print." Fortunately he had them all, and the new range slowly took shape. The inspiration for many of the patterns came from natural phenomena, such as electric storms, snow drifts, floating ice and lava flows.

"Glassex is the first time these new patterns have been displayed, and the response has been huge. We’ve had interest from buyers not just in the UK, but also from China, America and Italy. I’ve virtually run out of business cards and brochures already!"

You can speak to Paul Hanna at the Shepperton Glass stand at A029.