Ayako Tani (PhD Glass)

Glass artist and researcher working across artistic and industrial disciplines. Currently a scientific glassblower at the University of Glasgow. I create exhibitions, publications, and events that explore and share the art, history, and techniques of lampworking. I value technical excellence while striving for a true liberation of this technique for art.

2025 Demonstrator, Denizli Glass Biennial, Turkey
2022-24 Board member of the International Festival of Glass, Stourbridge
2019 AHRC Creative Economy Engagement Fellow, University of Sunderland
2019 Jutta Cuny-Franz Talent Award recipient
2018 GAS demonstrator, Murano, Italy
2017 Artist in Residence, Jingdezhen Ceramic Art Centre, China
2016 Artist in Residence, National Glass Centre, UK
2015 Emerging Artist in Residence, Pilchuck Glass School, USA
2008-22 selected for every British Glass Biennale

Museum Collections
Broadfield House Glass Museum, Stourbridge, UK
European Museum of Glass, Rödental, Germany
Liling Ceramic Valley Museum, China
Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester, UK
Museum Kunstpalast, Düsseldorf, Germany
National Glass Centre, Sunderland, UK
Scottish Maritime Museum, Irvine, UK
Qingdao Art Museum, China
Stourbridge Glass Museum, UK *scientific glassware

Please also visit:
[Radio] BBC Radio4 Vessels of Memory: Glass Ships of Sunderland
[Book] Vessels of Memory: Glass Ships in Bottles (2018) Ayako Tani, Art Editions North
[Project website] Vessels of Memory
[YouTube] Vessels of Memory: Glass Ships in Bottles
[Shop] Ayako Tani (open store page in a new tab)