This exquisite kiln-fired glasswork is inspired by the beautiful contrasts of colour found naturally in both the Cumbrian fells and the South Downs of England. Having graduated from the University of Central Lancashire, Lara Aldridge was the winner of a Northern Arts Bursary in 1995.

Subsequently, her work has appeared in national British magazines, notably the Crafts Council's "Contemporary British Studio Glass", and a Connoisseur article for Time Out. The range of vibrant pieces includes: panels - mounted, curved and freestanding; bowls; coasters; jewellery - pendants, brooches and cufflinks.

Lara Aldridge's kiln-fired glassware is produced using a variety of different metals and metal compounds, ranging from copper wire to gold dust, creating the colours and designs within each piece. The kiln firing process traps the metal inside (and occasionally on the surface of) the glass, and firing takes place at temperatures in excess of 1000 degrees.

Two firings are required to produce the bowls. The first forms the design and colours, and the second, at a slightly lower temperature forms the shape. Each piece is then expertly "linished"; ground down at the edges to remove any impurities or sharp edges, and polished. Finally, all of the larger pieces are signed and dated.