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 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.
Along with a popular range of handmade gift ware, Jo has developed her studio to undertake large architectural and interior projects. This unique facility and her innovative designs have earned her commissions for cruise liners, churches, hotels and corporate headquarters. She has also enjoyed hundreds of private commissions, producing windows, mirrors, panels and other artworks for a variety of homes.
1990-91
Art Foundation Course at Leicester University.
1992-4
BA Hons: Design in Glass and Ceramics at University of Sunderland.
1995-1996
Work placements with various glass artists, including: Mike Davies, Galia Amsel and
Rebecca Newnham.
1996
Set up glass-making workshop in Muswell Hill.
1997
Designed and completed fused glass projects for corporate clients including: P&O cruiseliners, Forte Hotels and Hilton Hotels. Relocated to Stuttgart, Germany.
1998
Guest artist at Stuttgart Art Academy working alongside Professor Hewel. Ran workshops for students at the Art Academy. Developed own fusing techniques and designs.
1999
Set up 'Jo Downs Glass' in Stuttgart. Undertook commissions for Hilton Hotels in Edinburgh and Munich, British Boreo Oil and Gas, Dr
Mollenkopf, along with various other private commissions. Started to attend trade fairs in UK.
2000
Birth of first child, Lukas Downs.
2001
Relocation to Launceston, Cornwall. Development of giftware range including: Dishes, coasters, hangings and mirrors. Giftware range is taken up enthusiastically by galleries across the country, including: The Royal Botanical Gardens, the Hills House and the British Maritime Museum.
2001-7
Jo Downs Glass studio in Launceston developed and grown, expansion of workforce from one to fifteen. Investment in advanced glass making equipment including: Gobi glass kilns and Hegla glass cutting table. Establishment of links with gift
shops and galleries across the country, as well as a number of international shops. Jo undertakes a large number of commercial and private commissions, including work for P&O cruiseliners Arcadia, Adonia, Oceana and Artemis, Fulham Methodist Church, designs for the Matisse Exhibition at the RCA, Westminster Tower, Microgaming Head Office, Johnson & Johnson Head Office, Frenchgate Shopping Centre, Whipsderry Hotel Newquay.
2003
Birth of second child, Marlo Downs.
2005
The opening of Jo Downs Gallery, Padstow: Jo's first dedicated gallery.
2006
The opening of Jo Downs Gallery, Truro. Establishment of partnership with Molton Brown, selling Jo's glass 'Arc' nationwide. Expansion of workforce to accommodate this new contract.
2007
The opening of Jo Downs Gallery, St Ives. Relocation to larger unit on Southgate Technology Park, Launceston. Official opening of new premises by the Duke of Gloucester.
2008
Commissions undertaken for the Isle of Scilly's Flying Boat Club, Ventura, Royal Marsden Hospital. Success of Jo Downs coastal galleries prompts Jo to open a number of trial galleries in various locations: Falmouth, Bath, Exeter, Salcombe and Fowey. Development of a number of key Jo Downs products, including: The Wishstick, Teapot Stand and Earring Dish.
2009
The National Trust commissions a range of glass for a selection of nationwide NT giftshops. Creation of a number of commissions, including: Prezzo Restaurant (Winchester) and for singer Joss Stone.
2010
Establishment of a partnership with John Lewis and World Duty Free.
Completion of a number of commissions for clients including: Ludgvan School, Glebe School, St Michael's Dental Practice (Bath), Alderney Hospital (Poole), Hospice in the Weald, Renewable Energy Systems.
Jo resumes focus from retail to trade, choosing to retain longstanding galleries Padstow and St Ives and divert attention to developing new products and ranges.
2011
Jo's creativity is sparked once again by the Cornish seaside, developing new product range, 'Cornish Pilchards'.
