Lesley Pyke
I was born in Harare, Zimbabwe into a family of oil painters. I began painting on commission as a teenager until I discovered the art of Glass Engraving. I joined the Guild of Glass Engravers, London, as an Overseas Member and on purchasing all the books, videos and slides available, I began to teach myself. I began my business soon after , and hand engraved and sandblasted on commission for the myriad of customers that have challenged me with their needs ever since....and still do, although now they are from all over the world, thanks to the internet!!
I had to leave my homeland due to the dire political situation. My roots are British hence I have chosen England as my new home.
Date of Birth: 7th April 1962
Associations: GGE
Awards: There are no Awards for my type of work in Zimbabwe. I look forward to the possibility of such a thing now that I am in the UK.
Commissions: Have been engraving on commission as a full time business since 1983.
Education: Educated in Zimbabwe, self taught Glass engraver. Have been in UK since 2002
Group Exhibitions: Continuous exhibition on own gallery. Exhibit in the bi annual Guild of Glass Engravers Exhibitions.
Solo Exhibitions: Permanent Exhibition own gallery - Lesley Pyke, Halesworth Business Park, Halesworth, Suffolk.
Travel: Nationally, Yes Internationally, Yes
Press Quotes: I have had many editorials in papers and magazines over the years, the most recent is in the Halesworth Community news March 2007 which shows a new Mark II sandblaster I have just invested in. "Another step forwards for Lesley Pyke's growing Glass Engraving business was made last month with the upgrading of her small tabletop sandblaster to a Mark2 Sandblasting cabinet with Hydrovane compressor...."
Maker's Statement:
As a Council member of the Guild of Glass Engravers, I am fanatical about ensuring perfection in technique and design working in perfect sympathy with the shape of the chosen "canvas". Wherever possible I prefer to use the whole of the piece for the 3D effect that the medium offers, but I will create a single elegant monogram if necessary with the same dedication .
Studio visits are welcome.
Commissioning Procedure
As every commission is different there are no rules. I am often left to make the decisions as to what crystal / glass vessel/piece should be used. It may be a standard crystal trophy or a lead crystal colour overlay I have to have blown by my glass blower....or anything inbetween.
Pricing Policy
Prices depend on what you want to spend. Every commission is different, I often work to the clients budget. There are endless possibilities.
VAT Registered: No
