Rory Leadbetter

Jerpoint Glass Studio

Glassblower

©Jerpoint Glass

A spirit of collaboration

Rory's working material is over 1100ºC
He plays with colour and transparency
Family teamwork is the key to success

Rory Leadbetter is part of a chain of craftspeople who are keeping glassblowing alive in Ireland today. Watching a skilled craftsperson blowing glass, it looks fluid and natural. But this ease is the result of years of training in this ancient craft. Techniques handed down through generations of makers, perfected over time. Rory works in his family’s business, Jerpoint Glass. They produce distinctive colourful glassware for the home, which is inspired by the beautiful Kilkenny landscape. He trained in his craft with his father Keith, and is guided in design aesthetics by his mother Kathleen. The spirit of collaboration is strong as Rory explains “glasswork is teamwork, we all have our strengths”.

Interview

©Jerpoint Glass

©Jerpoint Glass

When was the studio set up?: Having initially trained at the Orrefors Glass Schools in Sweden, my father Keith and mother Kathleen decided to set up their own studio in 1979, supported by the Irish Development Authority. I left school at 16 and trained at Jerpoint Glass with my father.
What is special about hot glass?: When I gather liquid glass from the furnace it wants to drop to the floor. My job is to encourage it to take a beautiful form. Handles are my speciality; you need to be quick but controlled. There is a rhythm with hot glass. This process still amazes me.
What is little-known about the process?: Glass blowing can seem very immediate, you can’t take a break and come back to blowing a piece! Yet everything with glass takes time. Learning the skills to produce the products, how glass cools very slowly in a kiln and finishing the final products.
Is your craft considered in danger?: Yes! It needs to be protected or else it will die out. There is very little glass being made in Ireland at the moment. In particular handmade products that are functional for regular use. We make quality glass that will elevate you everyday life.

Rory Leadbetter is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1998