About Jo
Jo Downs is one of the world’s most respected fused glass designers. Working from her Cornwall studio, Jo’s work draws inspiration from the beautiful coastal landscape while her advanced fusion techniques allow for the creation of abstract designs of great individuality and depth.
Along with her popular range of handmade giftware and statement interior pieces such as wall panels and art frames, 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, wall panels and other artworks for a variety of homes.
Jo's CV
1990-91
Art Foundation Course at Leicester University.
1992-4
BA Hons: Design in Glass and Ceramics at University of Sunderland.
1995-6
Work placements with established glass artists, including Mike Davies, Galia Amsel and Rebecca Newnham.
1996
Set up glass-making workshop in Muswell Hill, London
1997
Designed and completed fused glass projects for corporate clients, including P&O cruiseliners, Forte 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 and further developed own fusing techniques and designs.
1999
Set up 'Jo Downs Glass' in Stuttgart. Undertook commissions for Hilton Hotels in Edinburgh and Munich, British Borneo Oil and Gas, Dr Mollenkopf and various private clients.
2001
Relocation of Jo Downs Glass to Launceston, Cornwall. Developed designer giftware range including coasters, hangings, bowls and mirrors. The range is taken up enthusiastically by galleries across the country including The Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, Hills House and the British Maritime Museum.
2001-7
Expansion of the Jo Downs Glass team and investment in advanced glass making equipment including Gobi glass kilns and a Hegla glass cutting table. Establishment of links with gift shops and galleries in the UK and abroad. Ongoing commissions include work for P&O cruiseliners Arcadia, Adonia, Oceana and Artemis, designs for the Matisse Exhibition at the RCA, Westminster Tower, Microgaming Head Office, Fulham Methodist Church, Johnson & Johnson Head Office, Frenchgate Shopping Centre and the Whipsiderry Hotel Newquay.
2005
Opening of the first dedicated Jo Downs Gallery in Padstow, Cornwall.
2006
Establishment of partnership with Molton Brown to sell Jo’s glass ‘Arc’ nationwide.
2007
Opening of Jo Downs Gallery, St Ives, Cornwall. Relocation to larger Launceston workshop, officially opened by the Duke of Gloucester.
2008
Commissions undertaken for the Isle of Scilly’s Flying Boat Club, Ventura cruise liner and Royal Marsden Hospital. Development of a number of key Jo Downs products, including The Wishstick and Earring Dish.
2009
The National Trust commissions an exclusive Jo Downs range, for sale in their giftshops nationwide. Jo is commissioned to create unique artworks for the private home of singer Joss Stone.
2010
Establishment of a partnerships with John Lewis and World Duty Free. Ongoing commissions include Ludgvan School, Penzance, Glebe School, St Michael’s Dental Practice, Bath, Alderney Hospital, Poole, Hospice in the Weald, and Renewable Energy Systems.
2011
Jo creates her highly successful new ‘Cornish Pilchards’ range, inspired once again by the beautiful Cornish coast. Opening of Jo Downs Gallery, Fowey, Cornwall.
2012
Opening of the fourth Jo Downs Gallery onsite at her Launceston studio workshop. Private commission for Warwick Hospital.
2013
Relocation of studio workshop and gallery to larger premises at Launceston. Jo celebrates the official rebrand of Jo Downs Handmade Glass. Commissions include Lucknam Park Hotel and ITOPF Headquarters.
2014
Jo launches her new ‘Shoaling Fish’ range. Opening of the first major Jo Downs Gallery outside the south west, in the village of Ripley, Surrey. Commissions include Wrexham Hospital and Thames Hospice, Windsor.
2015
Refurbishment of galleries throughout Cornwall by RIBA award winning interior design team BOEX. Jo launches her gorgeous new 'Glass Leaves' collection.
2016
Launch of dedicated tutorial workshop in Launceston for beginners and advanced coaching sessions. Opening of new gallery in Twickenham, Middlesex.
2017
The largest launch of new giftware ranges ever for Jo Downs. Influenced by the beautiful Cornish coast and landscape. Exclusive ranges developed for the Lost Gardens of Heligan, the Eden Project and National Trust.
2018
Expanding her portfolio for the first time to the design and creation of spectacular bespoke chandeliers and lighting. Ongoing commissions include spectacular installations for a luxury hotel.
2019
Jo launches new collections using innovative techniques including Indian Summer. Jo and her brother Sam successfully completed a 1000mile tandem ride from John O-Groats to Land's End raising over £5000 in support for Cornwall's Invictus Trust for Teenage Mental Health.
2020/21
During the challenges of the pandemic Jo and her team of talented glass artists have created the Artisan collection of works. These individually handcrafted pieces are available across Jo's galleries and online.