One of the forefathers of British Glass, Charles Bray passed away suddenly and peacefully on Sunday 22^nd. July. Having had major heart surgery several years ago, he has overcome numerous episodes of heart muscle infections and ill health and the unwelcome side effects of medication, yet throughout, he continued to produce work. Here in Sunderland Charles Bray will always be remembered for introducing glass to the then Sunderland Art College some 40 years ago, instigating the glass and ceramics course and laying the foundation for what is now one of the largest and most prestigious glass and ceramics courses in the world at the University Of Sunderland (National Glass Centre). Originally trained in Fine Art at Goldsmith’s College, Charles produced paintings and drawings throughout his life, exhibiting them alongside glass in solo shows. As a glass artist Charles was both prolific and internationally renowned; his work has been exhibited throughout the world and features in numerous private and public collections. Charles was a supportive Founder Member of Cohesion Glass Network and a member of The Society Of Glass Technology with whom he maintained strong links and throughout his life after teaching, he continued to advise and mentor glass students and established makers. He has been a source of much inspiration and wisdom and will be much missed. If you would like to send condolences to the family please forward to Charles’ home: Prospect House, Farlam. Cumbria. CA8 1LA. Kind regards, Anne Tye. Email: Anne.Tye@sunderland.gov.uk

Tom Kittel (A. Rose-Shapiro)                                                            2

Petr Stacho (2) (J.J. Polanecky)                                                                     4

Takeshi Tsujino (J. Mi Koo)                                                                           8

Freeform Glas, N. und S. Thorp (D. Ruhlig-Lühnen)                           10