Showcase - Quigley By Design

Innovative Glass-Made Home Decor & Accessories

Dawn Quigley, based in Reading, England, offers an elegant range of exquisite gems - made primarily from glass - including: art deco mirrors, cufflinks and functional household items. She produces every item of her eclectic collection in her own, home studio. With each piece being so tastefully-designed, it's hard not to instantly fall in love with her inimitable aesthetic. Rich, vibrant colours, curved edges and a smooth finish characterise each of her beautiful handmade creations. Her journey into the world of glass-making was natural, and her products are a fitting reflection of this.

"Not long after the birth of my fourth daughter I became ill which made me just about house bound. I needed a distraction which I found in Glass. My wonderful partner made me a workshop and I was good to go. He works with glass so understood what I would need. I attended a stained glass course and was hooked. I began doing repairs of panels and windows along with making a few pieces to sell - mirrors. This worked well with the children gave me something to focus on. I now have a kiln so I can work with warm glass (Fused Glass) as well as . cold glass (Stained Glass)."

Dawn has a penchant for intricate design and understated beauty - all of which are qualities that are prominent in her collection. Dawn's focus is on design and functionality, her background in glass restoration ensures that each product is built to last lengthy use. She fuses lead with stained glass in her sleek collection of intricate, art deco mirrors. Her basket weave candle holders share a beautiful asymmetry, making each one unique in its own right.

"My inspiration comes from the glass. I only have to spend time looking at and feeling the texture of glass to be inspired. I make beautiful and unique pieces that will last a life time. Gifts to be treasured. I once received a note saying: 'Thank you for the beautiful cross, I hung it straight away in the window of my study which faces the door. So I can see it every time I come into the room."

It's the characteristic imperfections found in her products that make each of them personal - the outcome is often more a work of art than decoration. Her collection fits comfortably under one roof, her Stained Glass Art Deco Mirror complements the Red Basket Weave Candle Holder - it's all brilliantly cohesive, with the allure of a feminine touch. Once she has exhausted the possibilities of stained glass, Dawn plans to expand her collection by adopting new techniques in glass-making.

"I would love to add hot glass to my portfolio. Glass blowing is another traditional craft like stained glass. May be one day."