Lesley Pyke - About me

Brief History and Links

LESLEY

PYKE

Glass Engraver

Glass is a most alluring and baffling medium! I was introduced to this medium in 1983, was instantly entranced and have been passionately involved with it ever since.

I was born in Harare, Zimbabwe, in 1962 and lived and worked there until November 2001. I had built my dream glass engraving business over the years, offering not only exclusive hand engraved glass and crystal, but also sandblasting bulk orders and frosted vinyl stickers (sandblast effect vinyl).

I joined the Guild of Glass Engravers, London, in 1983, and the lovely overseas correspondent at the time, had encouraged me to do all that is necessary to begin to fulfil the dream that had me spellbound from the first naive scratch I made on an old wine glass, with my first basic engraving tool. All these years on, whilst being on the Council of the Guild, I correspond with overseas members, and in fact many non members too, engravers just wanting a bit of advice, it is a lovely feeling being able to put a little back.

I divorced in 1998 and my 2 precious sons (Shane and Gavin, only 15 and 13 at the time)were taken to live in New Zealand by my ex husband and his new wife, partly because of the dire political situation in Zimbabwe, something I was completely powerless to prevent. The situation in the country deteriorated fast and having had my life threatened by members of a local organisation in 2001, I was forced to leave my homeland and everything I had, to begin from scratch, here in the UK, where my father was born, and where my roots would be.Click HERE for more details

So now I am offering those years of experience, after a myriad of fascinating clients who have challenged me over the years with their variety of ideas to engrave, almost any subject on almost any glass for almost any occasion. I say "almost" because I will not take on a job with an offensive subject matter.

I will design whatever is necessary, however my customers often bring their own artwork or photographs for me to work from, sometimes even their “doodle” for a fun gift! I have engraved on anything from tot measures; goblets and champagne coolers; trophies and windows; mirrors and sliding doors. Glass panels and other large pieces are also popular, having decorated for many pubs; schools; hotels; banks and businesses, I enjoy a good challenge.

My showroom is adjacent to my workshop and I have on show and for sale, my collection of engraved masterpieces and simpler pieces too, along with a good selection of blank crystal and glass for engraving including a full range of Rock Tablets (hand made in Scotland) and White Fire Optical Crystal....has to be seen to be believed!

Web Editorials:

Cambridge Glass fair Interview

Southwold Scene

Bungay Suffolk

Some High Res Photos of my work

Come and choose one of my creations or let me create a unique family heirloom for you, to suit your budget of course, or a simple persomal gift which can be as little as £25!....or simply come and browse, you will not look at glass the same way again!

In addition to the above I offer one to one Glass Engraving Lessons (Time permitting) and I give talks on Glass Engraving too.

As painting and drawing were where I started I continue to use these mediums on both canvas and Ostrich eggs! Both available in my showroom.

A F R I C A N Links