Transformations @The De Morgan Centre

This festive season, the De Morgan Centre will be exploring the transformation of familiar materials into surprising and unique shapes and forms, in a selling exhibition featuring the work of Peter Layton, Anne Selby, Kevin Hutson and Heather Konschuh.

This selling exhibition will display a selection of pieces from artists working in very different mediums, each creating shapes and forms that evolve and transform during the creative process.

One of Europe’s pre-eminent glass artists, Peter Layton has directly influenced several of this country’s leading glassmakers and inspired many more. Layton runs the London Glassblowing Studio in Bermondsey as a collective where glassblowers can express their creativity using the studio’s kilns. Layton creates abstract works that evolve during the creative process, and is known for his strong use of colour and organic and sculptural forms.

Anne Selby creates remarkable silk scarves and boas in striking shades using a Japanese pleating technique called arashi shibori. This technique transforms delicate multi-layered, hand-dyed silks into garments that take unusual and unexpected forms. Inspired by nature, Selby experiments with colour to enhance the sculptural quality of her pieces.

Kevin Hutson creates unusually architectural pieces from turned wood. Hutson trained in carpentry and joinery, and worked in architectural joinery, which inspired his later experiments in creative forms. Hutson blends subtle surface tones of colour to emphasis the grain found in the wood, and the clear inspiration of Oriental architecture creates movement within each piece.

Heather Konschuh has exhibited at the De Morgan Centre several times, and is contributing festive hand-blown glass baubles to the exhibition. Though small in size, these baubles exhibit Heather’s aptitude in exploring vibrant colours and contrasting opacities in her glassware.

The pieces will range in price, beginning from £15, providing the perfect opportunity to purchase an affordable and utterly unique gift this festive season.

The De Morgan Centre is holding a festive shopping evening on Thursday 6th December 2012. Entry to the gallery will be free for all, and visitors can enjoy light refreshments, browse the extensive shop collection and get a head start on their Christmas shopping. The Centre is offering a special festive offer for this evening only: visitors who spend over £25 in the shop will receive 20% off. This is the perfect opportunity to browse our Christmas show, including Anne Selby textiles, Kevin Hutson wood, and Peter Layton and Heather Konschuh glassware. There will be wine available in the museum café and the gallery will be open until 9.00pm.