Our Staff
James "Jim" Adlington
Director & Glassmaker
Jim started Bristol Blue Glass in 1988 with glass artist Peter Sinclair. Jim is a multi-disciplinary artist, glass being his chosen medium. He has wide experience in both hot and cold glassmaking and has travelled extensively to further his knowledge of glass and its use as an artistic material.
Alex Wildig
Glassmaker
Alex has been working with us for several years and came reluctantly to glass as it runs in his family. Despite stating as a teenager that he 'will never even set foot' in a glass studio, here he is and he has quickly taken to the art of sculpted glass, or the "Masello" technique. He is looking to develop his talents in this area and work abroad. You can take the boy out of the glass studio etc...
Alice Wilde
Jewellery Maker
Alice has been with us since 2016. Before joining us she did a degree in Fine Art, specialising in sculpture. Alice trained with us in lampworking and kiln-fusing glass and makes our memorial jewellery range, which she finds very fulfilling. Alice enjoys working with colour and experimenting with shape.
Gemma Collins
Gallery Host
Gemma has been working with us for over 4 years and you will find her on the shop floor on a Saturday. Her duties involve meeting and greeting the public and helping customers choose the perfect gift for their special occasion. Gemma loves to travel. She has explored many places in Asia, America and Australasia. She is hoping to travel around South America in the near future.
David Barry
Glassmaker
Dave is the Hot Floor Manager and has been with us for ten years. Dave is a dedicated glassmaker and is truly in love with his material and travels extensively to further his glass knowledge. Dave developed his skills making our range of glass. He originally specialised in sculptural work but is now happiest experimenting with Venetian Blown Stemware techniques.
Beci Whatley
Gallery Host
Accomplished artist Beci is Gallery Host at our high street location in the centre of Bristol. She is pictured in front of one of her stunning canvases.
Ben Samuel
Gallery Host & Visual Merchandiser
Ben has been with Bristol Blue Glass since 2014 and started his time with us on our Christmas market stand. He made such an impression that he was taken on to work in our high street shop. Ben quickly won over everyone at Bristol Blue Glass with his talent and warm heart and is now head of Visual Merchandising and Gallery Host at our Bath Road Studio/Shop and headquarters. Ben is front of house at our Bath Road store, Wednesday to Sunday.
Ty Sheppard
Glassmakers' Assistant
Ty is about half way through his training. On finishing his training he plans to travel the world making glass. He has a passion for teaching people about this ancient craft and loves working with the public, giving talks and demonstrations.
Amber Starrs
Jewellery Maker
Amber studied Illustration at degree level, specialising in Stopmotion and puppetry making. Amber has trained with us in lamp working, fused glass and stained glass. She makes our jewellery range as well as one-off pieces. She hopes to keep learning and improving her skills further with glass and experiment with combining the medium with other materials.
Ivan Milosevic
Assistant Manager & Assistant Glassmaker
You may find Ivan at our shop in the centre of town (just on the outskirts of St Nicholas Market). As well as being a friendly face to our customers Ivan is a talented mosaic artist. Ivan is also developing his skills in glass and works as a glassmakers' assistant in our studio. His beautiful mosaic Bristol Blue Glass sign graces the window display at our Bath Road store.
Nick Heal
Engraver
Nick has been with Bristol Blue Glass for fourteen years now and is an integral part of the team. Nick does all our engraving, from wishing someone a 'happy retirement' through to huge, nationally-recognised awards. His talents do not stop with his skills for engraving, however. He also screen prints and is a critically-acclaimed musician with his band, "Nicholson Heal".
Oliver "Obby" Edwards
Glassmakers' Assistant
Obby graces our hot shop on a Saturday and is a glassmakers' assistant and builder of workshop equipment. He is also the proprietor of "Hot Puff Mobile Glass Studio", a DJ and an overall multi-talented individual extraordinaire.
Sharon Crapanzano
Marketing, Promotions and Customer Care Manager
Sharon has been with Bristol Blue Glass since 2012 and came to us after working for over 20 years in a very different field. She was formerly in events management, working for the World Professional Snooker Governing Body (WPBSA). Sharon arranged all world ranking snooker events and was lucky enough to work with all the top snooker players, travel with them overseas and attend UK events. She then went on to work in Rugby League for 5 years. Sharon handles our marketing, promotions and event management.
Tara Sheppard
Customer Care Operative
Tara has been working with Bristol Blue Glass since June 2018. On a day-to-day basis she manages the Dispatch Area by helping with telephone calls, welcoming customers and replying to emails. Tara is the communication axis between the studio and the rest of the world and ensures the studio runs smoothly.
Brenda Mounty
Accounts
Our account exec extraordinaire, Brenda makes sure everything runs smoothly from a financial perspective. In her down time she is a committed parent and grandparent and throws a mean party!