London

Lulu Harrison

Glass sculptor | Oxford, United Kingdom

Ancestral approach and cutting-edge materials

Lulu embodies a blend of researcher, artist and maker
Water, the sea and the Thames River inspire her work
She develops her own glass recipes using local sands and broken shells

With her sustainable approach to artistry, Lulu Harrison is at once researcher and creative maker. Inspired by ancient glassmaking traditions and materials, she creates glass artifacts from waste materials and local resources. Lulu is an MA graduate from Central Saint Martins' Material Future course, which has guided her development of her collection called Thames Glass. In this work, she blends ancient and modern techniques to foster environmental and social renewal in glassmaking. Through collaborations with glass masters and scholars, Lulu seeks to revolutionise the concept of glass luxury, blending craftsmanship, design, and scientific exploration, while also leading the way in developing new glass formulations.

Interview

How did you discover your material, glass?: Originally working on a textile project with Indian craftsmen, I pivoted to exploring the local environment due to the uncertain situation of the pandemic. Inspired by my Cornish heritage, I experimented with sand and shells. My teacher then highlighted the presence of calcium carbonate in both shells and glass, igniting my interest in this direction.
What is your research centered on?: Over the course of four years, I have engaged in extensive research and experimentation to refine my craft. This journey has involved a deep dive into the chemical composition of glass, exploring its historical evolution and consulting with experts and institutions for valuable input.
How do you incorporate the environment into your work?: My affinity for water profoundly impacts my work. The landscapes of Cornwall and the Thames are fundamental to my creative journey. I started my glass experiments with shells from Cornish fishermen. In my Thames Glass series, I incorporate local and waste materials, such as sand, ash, and mussels found in and around the river.
What do people not know about your work?: A big inspiration for my work is exploring how glass was once made on a very local level using materials which were abundant within the local area. An example is the Forest Glass era in late medieval times in north-western and central Europe. Glassmakers were in essence able to create ‘geo-specific’ glass according to the raw materials available.

Lulu Harrison is a rising star: she began her career in 2020