This month, I had the incredible honour of hosting an event at my studio to celebrate the launch of Tracy Chevalier’s latest novel, "The Glassmaker". As the author of the beloved "Girl with a Pearl Earring", Tracy has once again delved into the past to bring us a story that intertwines art, history, and human experience in a way only she can.
The evening was intimate, with a select group of booksellers gathered to immerse themselves in the
world of glassmaking, both in literature and in practice. Tracy set the tone for the night by reading an excerpt from "The Glassmaker". Her reading brought the pages to life, and the passage she chose beautifully highlighted the intricate details of the glassmaking process that are central to the novel.
After the reading, we engaged in a fascinating discussion about the craft of glassmaking, which plays such a pivotal role in the book. Tracy shared insights into the research she undertook to authentically portray the art form, adding layers of depth to our understanding of the story.
Following drinks and nibbles, the evening took a hands-on turn. I had the pleasure of demonstrating the art of beadmaking to our guests. It was a joy to see everyone get involved, and with my guidance, the booksellers had the opportunity to create their own unique glass beads. The experience of crafting something tangible allowed us to connect even more deeply with the themes of Tracy’s novel.
The night was truly memorable, blending the magic of storytelling with the tactile beauty of glasswork. For anyone with an interest in glassmaking—or simply a love of well-crafted historical fiction—I highly recommend picking up "The Glassmaker". It’s a book that not only tells a compelling story but also celebrates the artistry and skill that goes into creating something beautiful.
As a special connection to the book, I was also commissioned to create a series of beads that feature within the story itself. It was an exciting project to work on, knowing that these glass creations would play a role in bringing The Glassmaker to life. Below, you can see Tracey Chevalier wearing jewelry made from some of the beads that were part of this collaboration. It’s been an absolute privilege to contribute to the novel in this way, being inspired by her literary artistry.
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