Dartington Glass Engraving

Devon is a very big county and it's almost two hours' drive from our corner in the South Hams to Great Torrington in the north-west of the county, but driving in beautiful sunshine, we found the destination was well worth it. We drove there specifically to visit Dartington Glass where visitors can watch craftsmen* performing all the various stages of glassblowing, shaping, moulding and finishing. (*And they were all men!)

Most interesting and exciting, I found, was observing master engraver Nick Davey at work, and chatting to him about his prestigious talent. His meticulous glass engravings have gone all round the world, with commissions including pieces for royalty and the Pope. His artistic flair was all too evident in the confidence with which he engraved. He has helped develop a collection called The Gallery - exclusive to Dartington - which includes beautiful sea creatures. (See Extras.) Also in the Extras is a view of the factory floor where team work takes glass through many stages to completion.