BLOG – 35 YEARS AGO BLOG 1

Thirty-Five years ago, “Glass Creations” was born so here the first of thirty-five blogs describing some history.

I moved to Caithness in 1981 to work as a scientific glassblower at Dounreay. Expecting to make a lot of very technical glassware it was a surprise to be asked to make artistic glass for staff celebrations such as retirements. Also, I was (pleasantly) surprised to be asked to demonstrate my type of glassblowing known as lampworking to various organisations such as WRI’s. After a time, people asked me why I haven’t got my own workshop as other glassy friends had. These were usually set up in their garages. Together with Maureen my wife I was renting a wooden house with no garage so setting up a large burner connected to Propane and Oxygen not ideal. Money was tight and I could afford to buy or rent a workshop.

In 1989 Maureen’s Mother died and left her some money which we were most grateful for, investing in property. Not a house but a workshop. The plan was to have a showroom where Maureen would supervise operations, and I would be allowed to play in the adjacent work area. I never saw myself as a businessperson nor did I want to run my own business and make money. I had a good secure job at Dounreay which allowed me freedom to complete many varied glassworking techniques with equipment that I would never be in a position to own outright.

A building known as Wood Goods and Chattels along Thurso River was for sale and at only £5000 seemed a bargain. We had the cash so no issues buying a building but how to set up a business? I have seen too many businesses set up in a casual manner revolving around “cash in hand” that left me with the opinion that route was not for me.

We sought legal advice from a solicitor and our bank. In addition, we invested in an accountant and selected a name that meant something. Glass Creations means I create glass objects! OK?