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Lybster glass show for Mann of the moment


By David G Scott

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DENIS Mann, the Wick-based glass engraver famous for his work on the BBC Mastermind trophy, is the focus of a retrospective show in Lybster.

North Lands Creative (NLC) glass studio, of which Denis is a founding member, recently launched the show entitled A Lifetime of Adventures in Glass.

Denis Mann engraving in his studio.
Denis Mann engraving in his studio.

A spokesperson for NLC said: "This retrospective collection features highly regarded works spanning Denis's accomplished career as an artist, designer and glass engraver."

Denis Farquhar Mann was born in Perthshire in 1935. He studied at the Edinburgh College of Art and joined Caithness Glass as an artist and engraver in 1970. Denis now works as an independent artist and engraver from his Wick studio.

He is perhaps most acclaimed for his work designing and engraving the Mastermind trophy for the long-running BBC quiz show. Denis did the first one in 1971 and has engraved every trophy since – recently completing his 48th.

"Denis effortlessly combines his drawing and painting sensibilities exquisitely when engraving into glass," fellow artist and NLC board member Annie Cattrell said. "It is no wonder that the BBC commissioned him to engrave the now iconic Mastermind trophy."

“The current solo exhibition richly reveals how his creative, conceptual and technical approaches combine to tell the wonderful story of Denis's highly significant artistic practice."

The exhibition has been curated by Michael Bullen, studio manager at NLC, and celebrates not only Denis's artistic skill but also his contribution to innovative practice in the field of glass.

Speaking at the private view, NLC patron Bunty Gunn said: “It is truly fascinating to see the engraving tools alongside the wonderful work that has been achieved under Denis’s skill and craftsmanship.”

Denis was a participant on the first masterclass held at Quatre Bras in Lybster in 1996 led by the Swedish designer and artist Bertil Vallien.

The studio's spokesperson added: "Denis Mann is a cornerstone of the organisation. His belief in education, the pursuit of good drawing and design, and the pursuit of excellence of craftsmanship is echoed in the ethos that makes North Lands Creative the internationally recognised centre of excellence it is today."

Denis's description of engraving as "a great adventure" sums up his outlook and approach to the masterful techniques he employs in his art.

Denis Mann: A Lifetime of Adventures is at the Quatre Bras Gallery until October 4 and entry is free.

Open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Phone: 01593 721229 Email: info@northlandscreative.co.uk Further info: www.northlandscreative.co.uk


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