Feeling the heat

A studio in Rosedale Abbey is the happy heart of a thriving glassblowing partnership

- Heather Dixon

Stephen Gillies and Kate Jones have been making contemporary handblown glass together for 25 years. From their studio and workshop in the picture postcard village of Rosedale Abbey in the North York Moors National Park, they use traditional methods to create individual pieces that earn worldwide recognition. As partners both in life and art, Kate and Stephen have created a unique lifestyle inspired by the natural rhythms and beautiful scenery of their rural location.

7.30 We live just a few doors away from the studio buildings which date back to 1827 and were previously the village blacksmiths. Stephen gets up early to light the kneeling oven and glory hole which take an hour or so to get up to temperature. He sorts out the work from the day before and then comes back home for breakfast. One or other of us does the school run for our son, Fin, then I head to the workshop for around 9 am, Stephen a little while later.

9.30 We have a chat about anything that needs attention and discuss plans for the day ahead and longer term projects and commitments, before Stephen heads off to create the glass. Basically, Stephen blows and colours the glass while I am in the studio office, then once the glass is cold I do the engraving. We each have very separate roles which is how it’s worked so well for so long.