Jo Downs Glass Design
"Glass gifts, panels, and commissions, lovingly made by hand in our Cornish studio."
ABOUT US
Jo Downs Handmade Glass is the UK's leading producer of fused glass pieces. Established over 15 years ago by creative director Jo Downs, the studio has gone from strength to strength, supplying five of our own galleries and many, many trade partners, appearing in prestigious art collections and producing large commissions for cruise liners, hotels, corporate headquarters and many more.
CHECK OUT OUR CURRENT RANGE HERE
ABOUT JO
Jo Downs is one of the world’s most prominent fused glass designers. Her advanced fusion techniques allow for the creation of abstract designs of great individuality, vibrant colour, amazing texture and depth.
Based in Cornwall, Jo Downs' art draws inspiration from the natural world around her. Cornwall has a unique light that gently bathes the environment and has inspired artists for centuries. Jo gently working with the light, coaxing it to achieve her unique artistic ideas.
Along with a popular range of handmade giftware, Jo has developed her fusing studio to undertake large architectural and interior projects. This unique facility and her innovative designs have earned commissions for cruise liners, the very best hotels around the world and numerous corporate head offices. She has also enjoyed a variety of private commissions, ranging from family homes to doctors surgeries and churches
FUSED GLASS
So what exactly is 'fused glass' ?
No one knows exactly where or by whom fusing glass was first conceived. However, archaeologists have found evidence that the Ancient Egyptians had a grasp of the rudimentary techniques, as long ago as (4000 years ago) 2000BC. Glass fusing remained the predominant method of making most glass objects for over 2000 years.
Contemporary fused glass is made by layering thin sheets of glass (and sometimes metals) in a flat kiln, to create the desired design. The kiln is then fired to temperatures of around 600°C to 800°C, 1100°F to 1500°F. The exact temperatures used to elicit specific results from various types of glass are very precise, and some are closely guarded trade secrets.
HOME
CURRENT RANGE
Below is a selection of products from our current Summer 2010 range. All are available in a stunning range of colour schemes, and can be found in any of our friendly galleries, situated across Cornwall and Devon, or in a large number of other retailers around Great Britain. if you don't know of one in your area or the South West is a bit to far for a quick visit, please contact us by phone or email. We are only too happy to arrange delivery to your door.
COASTERS
BOWLS
HANGINGS
JEWELRY
MISCELLANEOUS
JEWELLERY
TRADE
As well as supplying five of our own galleries here in the sunny South West (see our 'GALLERIES' tab for more details), we are always looking for like minded businesses to help bring Jo Downs Glass to the wider world.
Would our unique giftware fit your store? Perhaps our beautiful jewellery range would add sparkle to your current product range? Or maybe you had a more exclusive product or range in mind for your business?
Whatever your thoughts, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Kevin on 01566 779779
Or email Kevin at Kevin_jodowns.com
Order Form
TERMS & CONDITIONS
COMMISSIONS
Over the last 15 years Jo Downs Glass Design has a produced a wide variety of exceptionally high quality architectural and aesthetic artwork for a range of private and commercial clients. As well as numerous smaller items, from custom bowls and hangings to exclusive corporate coasters.
Jo Downs Handmade to Measure is our special commission service. We can produce anything from small tiles for a domestic bathroom to large panels and windows for a commercial project. To discuss any projects, order samples or find out more about the service please contact Adrian at our Launceston studio on 01566 779779 or by email at adrian_jodowns.com
Ceiling and panelling in the bar on the P&O cruise ship Arcadia.
The atrium ceiling of the P&O cruise ship Arcadia
Close up of the atrium ceiling on the P&O cruise ship Arcadia
Custom glass panells in the Johnson & Johnson Headquarters
Reception Desk at Westminster Tower.
Double laminated 3 meter high panels in the reception of Plymouth Medical Practice.
Large wall mounted rainbow panel and matching coaster set in a private residence.
Beutiful interior panel at a private residence.
Classic beach septic at a private residence.
Cuatom designed and double glazed window at a private residence.
Custom beach quintych at a private residence.
A display of 5 custom prism panels at a private residence.
PRODUCTS
GALLERIES
PADSTOW
Our Padstow shop is a colourful, fun, family-friendly environment to engage with Jo's glass work (all the signs say DO TOUCH!!). The ever evolving format keeps things fresh.....and another makeover is due very soon, so be sure to come and take a look! Dogs welcome.
24 Middle Street Tel: 01841 533854
Padstow
Cornwall Mon-Sat: 10am - 5.00pm
PL28 8AP Sun: 10am - 4pm
ST. IVES
Our St Ives Gallery is small but perfectly formed, offering the full range of Jo Downs' products. Having recently undergone an intensive makeover, our new look store has a fun, beachy feel - Just like St. Ives itself.
5 Market House Tel: 01736 797722
Market Place
St Ives Mon-Sat: 10am - 5.30pm
TR26 1RZ Sun: 10am - 4pm
TRURO
Our Truro gallery/shop is the special outlet for an array of Jo Downs items not available anywhere else - be they discontinued items, prototypes or some other treasure. From jewellery and coasters to large art pieces this store is a real opportunity to find something very special at a bargain price.
7 Cathedral Lane Tel: 01872 273258
Truro
Cornwall Mon-Sat: 10am - 5pm
TR1 2QS Sun: Closed
EXETER
Our huge Exeter store takes Jo's work beyond Cornwall and into the beautiful county of Devon. Located on the quirky and very popular Gandy Street at the heart of Devon's capital, the gallery is proving an eye-catching addition to the vibrant city.
16 Gandy Street Tel: 01392 437722
Exeter
Devon Mon-Sat: 10am - 5.00pm
EX4 3LS Sun: 10am - 4pm
FOWEY
Located in the heart of Fowey's main shopping street our new store provides a wide range of Jo's work, and adds some much needed colour to the rather grey days we've been having this year! With it's beautiful surroundings the Fowey store is an exciting addition to the ever increasing Jo Downs family
21 Fore Street Tel: 01726 832005
Fowey
PL23 1AQ Sun: 10am - 4pm
AFFILIATES
EDEN PROJECT
Nestled in a reclaimed china clay pit, amongst the rolling hills of Cornwall, in the picturesque South West of England. The complex is dominated by two enclosures consisting of adjoining domes that house plant species from around the world. Each enclosure emulates a natural biome. The first dome emulates a tropical environment, and the second a Mediterranean environment.
Jo Downs Glass Design enjoys a close working relationship with Eden, supplying a wide range of giftware to the projects superb and succesful shop, which reflect the concerns of the project.
NATIONAL TRUST
Established in 1895, the National Trust manages and preseves a large number of sites natural beauty and of historical interest and importance across Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Jo has developed a wide range of giftware for the National Trust, which is available at many of their properties and outlets.
DOBBIES
Dobbies are one of the most reputable and well known garden centre chains in Britain. Dobbies has been offering expert advice to horticulturalists since 1865. For over 140 years, the Dobbies name has stood for quality horticulture.
Jo Downs Glass Design is excited to be embarking on our new affiliation with Dobbies. Currently we are supplying a selection of our unique giftware to 13 of Dobbies 25 stores and we look forward to this relationship growing.
RHS
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK's leading gardening charity dedicated to advancing horticulture and promoting good gardening.
The famous RHS garden at Wisley has a well known gift shop and we are pleased that they are now stocking our glass.
JOHN LEWIS
COMING SOON!
THE EDEN PROJECT
THE NATIONAL TRUST
HOW TO ORDER
For trade or retail orders, please contact our sales department.
Phone: 01566 779779 and press 1 for sales
Email: Kevin_jodowns.com
For Jo's bespoke achitectural and aesthetic artwork, please contact our commissions department.
Phone: 01566 779779 and press 2 for commissions
Email: Adrian_jodowns.com
CONTACT US
For general queries, comments or feedback on any of our products or galleries. Please use the contact form below or email or customer service desk at the address opposite.
Phone us on: 01566 779779
Fax us on: 01566 779781
Write to us at: 3 Southgate Technology Park
Quarry Crecent
Pennygillam Industrial Estate
Launceston
Cornwall
PL15 7PF
Or email us _jodowns.com
Trade: Kevin_jodowns.com
Commissions: Adrian_jodowns.com
Customer Service: Kevin_jodowns.com
© Jo Downs Glass Design Ltd. July 2010. All rights reserved.
