I’m delighted to share a very special milestone in my journey as an artist: my work has been featured in The Daily Telegraph and The Times, bringing attention to the rare heritage craft of verre églomisé and my contemporary approach to painting and gilding on glass.
For me, this recognition is about more than my own work. It is an opportunity to shine a light on an extraordinary, centuries-old technique and the importance of keeping traditional crafts alive.
Bringing an Ancient Art into the Contemporary World
My practice centres on verre églomisé, an intricate art form that involves painting and applying metal leaf to the reverse of glass. Working from the back of the glass, the process requires a considered approach, with each layer carefully applied to create the finished image when viewed from the front.
Using this historic technique, I create contemporary wildlife and nature-inspired artworks that combine traditional craftsmanship with a modern artistic perspective.
My work incorporates precious metal leaf, including 24-carat gold, silver and copper, alongside carefully chosen pigments, paints and other materials. Light plays an essential role in the finished pieces, interacting with the gilded surfaces to create depth, contrast, shadows and a changing sense of movement.
It is a process that demands patience, precision and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. Every piece develops through multiple stages, with each layer contributing to the final composition.
Celebrating Wildlife Through Gilded Glass Art
The natural world is at the heart of my work. I am particularly drawn to wildlife, the delicate details that make each species unique, and the fragile balance of the ecosystems we share.
Butterflies, birds, marine life and other creatures provide an endless source of inspiration. Through my artwork, I explore their beauty, individuality and presence, often using metallic finishes and reflected light to encourage the viewer to look a little closer.
The blue butterflies featured in the newspaper photographs are a wonderful example of this approach. Their vivid colour and intricate markings create a sense of movement across the glass, while the composition celebrates both the individuality of each butterfly and the impact of the group as a whole.
I hope my work encourages people to pause, reconnect with the natural world and reflect on the wildlife we have a responsibility to protect.
Preserving an Endangered Heritage Craft
One of the most meaningful aspects of this newspaper coverage is the opportunity to highlight verre églomisé itself.
The Daily Telegraph feature noted that fewer than 30 people in Britain are believed to practise this endangered craft. It is a sobering reminder of how easily specialist knowledge and traditional skills can disappear when they are no longer widely practised.
Although my work takes a contemporary direction, it is rooted in a technique that has been passed down through generations. I feel privileged to contribute to its continued practice, exploring new possibilities for the medium while respecting its remarkable history.
There is something particularly special about using an ancient process to interpret the natural world around us today. It creates a connection between past and present, tradition and experimentation.
For me, the challenge is to honour the craft while allowing it to evolve.
A Special Moment for Danni Bradford Studio
Having my work featured in two such well-known publications is a moment I am incredibly grateful for.
As an independent artist, so much of the journey takes place behind the scenes: experimenting with materials, developing ideas, refining techniques and working through the many stages involved in creating each piece.
To have that work shared with a wider audience is both encouraging and humbling. It also offers an opportunity to introduce more people to verre églomisé and demonstrate how this rare heritage craft can be used to create contemporary art with a strong connection to nature.
Thank you to everyone who has supported my work, followed my journey and taken an interest in what I do. Your encouragement means a great deal.
I hope this feature inspires more people to discover the beauty of gilded glass art, learn about the history of verre églomisé and appreciate the importance of protecting both our natural world and the traditional crafts that enrich it.
Discover more of my original wildlife and nature-inspired glass artworks in the Danni Bradford Studio portfolio.
