Mary Quarmby and Lou Ropner

In Heart of Glass, we present two Wiltshire-based artists who are truly passionate about glass. Its colour, vibrancy and as the basis of their creative work. Whether for the home, garden or ecclesiastical settings, they have fashioned unique artworks using different types of glass and contemporary approaches.

 Mary Quarmby uses fusing and slumping to complement traditional methods of glassworking. Lou Ropner uses bright, intensely coloured Dichroic glass. This glass is opaque and has either an iridescent or opalescent sheen which is particularly effective and attractive in a mosaic. Both artists began working with glass in their forties and regularly exhibit and sell their work in the region, as well as taking on bespoke commissions for individuals.

 The local area has a rich history of stained glass making. At Malmesbury Abbey, The Luce Window was made by William Morris and Co. in 1901 from designs by Edward Burne-Jones. At St. Mary’s Sopworth there are further examples of Burne-Jones and Morris’ designs.  At the Holy Rood Church at Rodbourne there are designs by Ford Madox Brown and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.