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Steve Robinson

Steve Robinson, glass artist and designer-maker in kiln-formed glass techniques, has visited St Davids each summer for years, and in 2006, he finally succumbed to the lure of the magical city.

Together with his family, Steve brought his innovative business from Shrewsbury and set up his studio in the grade II listed, eighteenth century former chapel. The renovated chapel is adjoining the family's cottage in the tiny hamlet of Rhodiad-y-Brenin, near Whitesands.

The location of his business was carefully chosen by Steve to complement his love of the sea. Being so close to one of Pembrokeshire's stunning beaches, Steve was able to draw inspiration from marine life for his unique designs.

"I fell in love with the magic atmosphere and scenery of St Davids over 20 years ago," said Steve, "I have at last fulfilled my ambition to live and work here."

The sea's influence in Steve's work is apparent in a number of his trademark designs, which include themes based on various coastal islands of his Scottish homeland.

Having twice won national awards for some of his handmade produce, Steve has earned himself a reputation for quality and artistic originality worldwide with active agents working in Singapore, Dubai and Hong Kong.

Using his chosen technique, the craftsman fuses glasses and coloured enamels together to create designs renowned for vibrancy of colour and depth of texture.

Steve, who graduated from Wolverhampton University with a BA (hons) in glass design, proudly displays a collection of various household and decorative pieces including shell form bowls, platters, wall hangings and splashbacks in his rustic studio.

Glass and its properties have always been a point of interest for Steve, who told Pembrokeshire County Living about how glass was first discovered by Syrians during their travels.

"The discovery of glass dates back to before the Egyptians. It was in fact travelling Syrians who fell asleep with their campfire still alight, and woke to find that particles of sand had fused together to make blobs of glass."

"The Egyptians then mastered the art of glass design."

The process of kiln-formed glass involves the heating of two or more pieces of glass together causing them to melt into one unit. Fusing coloured glass granules between the layers of glass creates decorative designs. When air becomes trapped between layered it creates the characteristic elements and texture found in glasswork of this kind.

The method, although fairly straightforward in theory, can often be a case of trial and error, with minute changes in temperature affecting the overall effect of the glass. However, the experimental process can conjure the most exciting discoveries.

Steve said: "Working with the powdered enamel colours can be very tricky - it's very easy to move the templates and disturb the colours before they enter the kiln."

Despite being happy and settled in his current studio, Steve is in need of a bigger kiln due to sheer demand for his products. Unfortunately, the kiln he needs to acquire would be far too big to fit through the door of the renovated chapel!

"The kiln we have at the moment is only able to heat one large piece at a time, so to keep up with orders we need a bigger kiln. We are also limited creatively - the new kiln will allow us to produce different effects using different temperatures."

The family business now hopes to open up a shop in St Davids where Steve's items can be better displayed. Currently, most of his business comes from customers browsing his designs on their website (www.steverobinsonglass.com). Pieces can also be custom made according to customer's colour and design preferences.

Steve and his wife Hannah employ a full-time member of staff, Emma, who graduated from Winchester School of Art in textiles last year and returned to her home city of St Davids. Her return coincided perfectly with the family's business development in St Davids. They now intend to employ more local people as the business grows.

Emma, 25, thoroughly enjoys learning and picking up new skills from watching Steve's expert craftsmanship.

"Although I studied textiles at university, I find it really interesting working with new materials", she said, "When Steve and Hannah first moved down at the end of 2006, the business was a bit of a work in progress, but after a display around Easter time, things really picked up"

Hannah works alongside her husband, running the financial, marketing and administrative aspects of the business. She also designs and makes some of the glass jewellery along with Emma. Hannah says: "We aim to offer something for everyone's taste and budget, we also have a range of postcards, greeting cards and framed prints".

The couple, whose son, Storm, is due to start at the local school in St Davids in September, are very pleased with the warm welcome they've received from the community.

"The reaction from local people has been really positive," they said. "We've received a number of new commissions from visitors to the studio which is really encouraging".

Steve has even received commissions from the rich and famous! While Pembrokeshire County Living was at the studio, Steve was busy taking a telephone order from a professional footballer who plays for a premier London club.

The Steve Robinson Glass Studio is holding an exhibition in the refectory at St Davids cathedral from March 4th to March 31st. Steve will be displaying some of his creations alongside the artwork of Hannah's father, the late Patrick Mayer, who sadly died recently.

Their studio is open all year round, Monday to Saturday from 10am until 5pm and most Sundays during high season.

4:38pm Monday 25th February 2008

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