Koru Art & Glass Designs

Koru Art and Glass Designs are a partnership utilising the skills of Jan Simpson - Glass Artist and Glenn Phur - Portrait Artist.  

Generally working in collaboration over designs and styles of work the two have been a team for over 25 years.   Their work is divided into two specific areas - handmade fused glass and leaded light windows as well as contemporary hand painted portraits and landscape art.  At times the two skills are pulled together which have created some stunning "paintings" which are created using the fused glass technique.

Jan has been working with glass in various forms for approximately 15 years.   Originally specialising in Stained Glass Windows, Jan has, in the last ten years extended her repertoire and now works principally using fused glass techniques to create a range of individual hand made glassware.    Many pieces are designed with function in mind, and, in addition to being beautiful to display and look at, can equally be used within the home for various purposes.   Her pieces include:

Bowls, Wall hangings, coasters, jewellery, tiles, kitchen fittings, lighting, window display pieces.

The nature of glass fusing and the techniques used mean that each and every piece is unique - even when products are made in multiple numbers the specific features of the glass mean that no one piece is ever exactly identical.   All products are meticulously cut and layered by hand before being placed within a kiln where temperatures are taken as high as 800 celsius in order to physically fuse the glass together into one unique piece of art.

Glenns work is always done to order on a commission basis although often he will work with Jan on certain designs and ideas which are then converted into a format that is suitable for working within the glass.   With a background in graphic design and advertising, Glenn's work takes on a sharp contemporary look that mixes well with the modern home.  His portraits are designed in such a way that the images of the subjects are captured in a very natural and unposed manner - somewhat different from a traditional portrait.   His painting of Antonia was the winner of a highly commended award in the National Open Art Competition in 2008 - selected from over 900 applicants.  He has displayed his work at the Arts Club in London and is in high demand for his unusual and beautiful highly personalised paintings.

Jan and Glenn are happy to work on bespoke pieces for your home, designed to match your personal style and as such will take commissions for items on an individual basis.   Should you wish to discuss a private commission please contact us at info@thetravellingsouk.com and we will pass on your details in order for Jan and Glenn to contact you directly.