Ian Chadwick Glass Art

Have you got questions?

View our FAQs to get some answers.

What is dichroic glass?

Dichroic glass is glass which through a complicated process has a been coated with a fine layer of vapourised metals. This metal coating exhibits different colours depending on which metals have been vapourised and applied to the glass. The coating is transparent to varying degrees when applied to clear glass and this is where the name ‘dichroic’ meaning ‘two colours’ comes from as the coating will appear one colour when light is reflected off it while appearing another colour when it is seen with light passing through it.

What is fused glass?

Fused glass is a process where individual pieces or layers of glass are heated in a kiln to the point where the glass melts and the elements of glass are permanently bonded together into one piece. The level of heat applied to the glass determines the way the final piece of fused glass appears.

How does slumping work?

Slumping glass is the process where a flat piece of glass is shaped in the kiln using heat and gravity. The flat piece of glass can be placed upon ceramic or metal moulds or formers and the glass heated until it becomes malleable enough for it to drape over or fall into the shape desired.

How do kaleidoscopes work?

A kaleidoscope is an instrument first utilized in the textile industry for the production of repeat patterns. A kaleidoscope is made up of mirrors arranged in such a way as to reflect light into interesting patterns.

What if I have seen the style I like but not the colour?

Get in contact using either e-mail or telephone and we will endeavour to produce the piece of work you want to your requirements, although sometimes this will take time due to the purchasing of raw materials and production time.

Can I get matching earrings/pendant/bracelet to an item I have already bought?

Yes… Although with all my work there may be very subtle differences to the original piece but as always we will do our very best to ensure the customer receives exactly what they want.

Can I commission you to make a glass mirror/wall hanging/ bowl/coaster to a set colour scheme?

Of course, many colour variations can be achieved and work to commission is often designed to complement an existing colour scheme although due to availability of stock and production times this will take a little time to produce.

Are there any colours that cannot be made in glass?

There are now many colours available to the glass artist to use but certain colours may be hard to achieve in certain techniques but if you can supply a colour swatch we can normally achieve an acceptably close match.

Is all you sell on this website handmade?

Everything you see which is glass is handmade by Ian Chadwick.

What metal is your jewellery set on?

Most items are mounted on sterling silver, all chains and earrings are on silver. The only items which are not mounted on silver are the cufflinks and the 11 or 15 piece bracelets which are mounted on quality white metal fittings unless requested to be on another fitting.

Can I order an item with gold/alternative metal fitting?

Yes… Although this will incur extra expense and will only be possible if the fitting can be located in the metal which the customer requests.