About Us
For over fifty years the Harris family has been associated with the design and manufacture of outstanding decorative studio glass
History
The work that is produced by Isle of Wight Studio Glass emanates from the design genius of it’s British founder, Michael Harris (1933-1994), a prodigiously talented and pioneering designer and craftsman.
Michael graduated from the Royal College of Art (RCA) with first class honours in 1959 and later became an RCA tutor, setting up hot glass facilities there in 1967. The following year he founded Mdina Glass in Malta, remaining there until 1972, when he moved back to the UK.
Together with his wife Elizabeth, in 1973 he founded Isle Of Wight Studio Glass, setting up the studio in a picturesque location at Old Park, St Lawrence. He continued with this highly successful venture until his premature death in 1994.
Today
Revitalised in 2013 in a new location and under new management, Isle of Wight Studio Glass now serves as the platform from which Michael’s son, Timothy Harris, energetically pursues the family tradition – excellence and innovation in studio glass design and production.
From an early age Timothy was attracted by the heat and smoke of his father studio. By the time he was 13, standing on a beer crate and assisted by his younger brother Jonathan (now also a leading glass designer), he was able to make small glass birds which he christened: 'diddybirds'!
His aptitude for working with hot glass developed under his father’s tutelage, and he decided to make glassmaking his career. After completing formal college studies on the art and craft of glassmaking, in 1980 he returned to the Isle of Wight to join his father’s already successful studio.
