Michael James Hunter

British studio glass artist gains recognition in Barclays Trading Places awards top 100

Glass Artist Michael James Hunter has been named as one of Britain’s most inspirational business men after founding Twists Glass Studio in 1998 with his wife Sue by Barclays Bank Trading Places Awards 2010. The Judges will meet shortly to decide on the 25 semi finalists in October before announcing the 10 finalist. The remaining 10 finalist’s will be interviewed in London at the beginning of November to decided on the over all winner. The award winner will be named at a gala dinner in London on 30th November. When the finalist’s will be awarded a share of a £50000 prize package, including a £10000 prize award for the winner and a £5000 prize award for the runner up.
Sue Hunter, wife and business partner of glass artist Michael commented on how in 1981 Mike once mentioned how he would like his own studio one day, and would not be happy until his work sat in a museum, in 1998 we founded Twists Glass Studio in Selkirk in the Scottish Borders whilst last year he accomplished his second goal when his work was requested by the Bergstrom Mahler Museum in the USA for their permanent collection. He currently has three works on exhibition at the museum and I am extremely proud of him for his accomplishments.
Cane working is one of the most difficult of all glass making techniques to accomplish explains , Sue , it takes years to perfect , Mike who is self taught in these skills has recently had his port folio reviewed in the USA and his cane work has been accredited to being on par with the best .
Unemployment with in the cut crystal industry in the last recession was responsible for our creative journey explains Mike , After having taken a job and a drop in wages to keep a roof over the families heads in Selkirk Scottish Borders , I was forced to leave my wife and young family in Wales with hope the house would sell and we would be together again shortly , the recession hit harder and he worked away from home for around three years , before being made redundant again , this time I was unemployed for a number of years . It was in 1994 when we finally sold the family home and the family moved to Selkirk to work and live.
I have Sue to thank for encouraging me to turn my dreams into reality, I am truly lucky to wake up each day and do what I enjoy the most , I do not want to do anything else with my life. The more I learn about glass the more there is to accomplish. As an artist my career has only just begun I have educated my self with in the arts.
This recession will cause many families to experience hardship similar to that which we went through as a family, it is important that anyone starting a business understands the importance of a sound business plan and seeks advice as soon as possible from their bank and local small business gateway explains Mike .
Steve Cooper, chair of the judging panel and managing director of Barclays Business, said : Trading places is a celebration or inspiring people who inspite of great personal challenges, have taken steps to establish a sustainable business and in doing so changed the direction of their lives for the better.
Press Contact Sue and Mike Hunter 0175023195 or Trading Places Awards Office 02086732020.

Selkirk-based master glass artisan Michael Hunter of Twists Glass Studio has been awarded recognition this year with an award for excellence from the British Craft Trade Fair. The judges’ criteria were based on design, innovation and creativity.
Click here to read more about the International Art Collections where Mike's work canbe seen.