Graham Hawes glass artwork at Brewery Arts centre

Friday is always Helena’s day off from her job so it is an opportunity to go somewhere out of the Five Valleys for a jaunt together. I was really fancying a good lunchtime meal so I suggested we try a chain called Côte, which has a branch in Cirencester, originally a major Roman settlement and a town we don’t visit often enough. Helena duly agreed with little need for persuasion.

The town was busy as there is a street market as well as an indoor collectables market in the old Corn Hall. The food was good and provided some gluten free choices. When we left I took the opportunity to use the camera I’d brought with me. My first subject was the fine ancient parish which looks wonderful when the sun shines on its intricately carved golden Cotswold stonework.

We wandered with a view to finding a coffee to finish off the meal, but ignored many of the varied choices until Helena suggested trying New Brewery Arts, a charitable trust in the centre of town. It has a cafe but really it's a place for artists to exhibit their work, run courses and a space for them to sell their wares. It also has its own hostel next door for families, groups and individuals - a fine base for exploring the area, or when attending an arts course.

In the shop we were both very impressed with the quality of the artists’ exhibits, many of whom are from quite distant places who want to exhibit in this high quality realm. I was drawn immediately to the colours and forms in these glass objets, which we found out were made by Graham Hawes, now resident in Leicester.

They are quite pricey but certainly not over priced. I would have bought one if not two if only I was wealthy enough. One of the volunteer staff showed us how they can be placed in many postures with facets on them allowing such placements. They would be so interesting to have as the colours and forms, both internal and external, are so rich and varied. I loved them.

I just took this picture as a snap with little time to work out the best way to reproduce their impact on me. But at least you can get a sense of the forms and colours. If you want to find out more you can visit his website here. I’m fairly certain he won’t mind me sharing this short video showing him at work as he takes and works with glass from his kiln.