Inspired by the sea

The story of fused glass art in the heart of Padstow.

Tucked away in the charming harbour town of Padstow, on Cornwall’s wild and beautiful north coast, lies a gallery that captures the very soul of the sea. Inspired by the sight of the glistening waters of the Camel Estuary, Jo and her talented team of artists are inspired to create exquisite fused glass art, influenced entirely by the stunning natural landscape that surrounds them.

For those who have ever wandered the winding coastal paths of Cornwall, stood barefoot on golden sands, or gazed out across the glittering Atlantic, the pieces within this Padstow gallery will stir a deep sense of familiarity and wonder. Every curve of glass, every delicate hue, and every shimmering detail reflects the timeless beauty of Cornwall’s coastline.

Cornwall is a place where land and sea meet in a dramatic dance of colour and texture. From rugged cliffs softened by wildflowers to tranquil estuaries reflecting pastel skies, the region offers an ever-changing palette of inspiration. For Jo and her team, it is this raw, natural beauty that provides endless creative fuel.

Nowhere is this more evident than in their stunning collections, each one telling a story rooted in place and memory. Chief among them are the Daymer Collection and the Beachcomber Collection — two stunning ranges that draw directly from the surrounding seascape, along with their ever-popular giftware collections, including Shoreline.

Daymer Bay, just across the waters of the Camel Estuary from Padstow, is a place of quiet magic. Sheltered and serene, with its expansive sandy beach and gently lapping waves, it has long been a favourite of locals and visitors alike.

The Daymer Collection captures this peaceful spirit. Delicate shades of seafoam green, soft blues, and sandy yellows blend beautifully in pieces that evoke early morning walks on the beach, when the world feels still and full of promise. Gentle curves in the glass echo the shape of wind-smoothed dunes, while flecks of light within the designs capture the way sunlight dances on wet sand.

Every piece in the Daymer Collection is a love letter to this tranquil corner of Cornwall — a perfect reflection of its calm beauty.

In contrast, the Beachcomber Collection bursts with the joyful energy of beach finds and seaside adventures. Inspired by the sparkling sands, colourful pebbles, and fragments of sea glass found along Cornwall’s coastline, these pieces celebrate nature’s forgotten treasures.

Walking along the beaches near Padstow, it’s easy to lose track of time while scanning the tideline for smooth, frosted sea glass or unusual stones worn into shape by the ocean. The Beachcomber Collection transforms this simple pleasure into striking works of art — glass pieces alive with texture, colour, and character.

Vivid blues, sea greens, and golden sand tones are layered and fused to mimic the tumbling treasures of a beachcomber’s haul. Tiny bubbles and texture within the glass hint at the ocean’s restless movement, while metallic accents shimmer like sunlit rockpools.

What sets this gallery apart is not only its exquisite craftsmanship but also its deeply personal connection to Cornwall’s coast. Every fused glass piece is handmade in the studio, a process that requires patience, skill, and an intuitive understanding of colour and form.

Visitors to the Padstow gallery are often struck by the way Jo and her team have distilled the essence of Cornwall’s coastal scenery into glass. It’s more than art — it’s memory, atmosphere, and emotion, captured forever in light and colour.

Whether you are drawn to the gentle calm of Daymer Bay or the joyful energy of the Beachcomber’s finds, each collection offers a tangible piece of Cornwall’s coastline to take home — a reminder of salt-scented air, golden sands, and the endless pull of the sea.

Located in the heart of Padstow, surrounded by the bustle of the harbour and the ever-present call of gulls overhead, the fused glass art gallery is a destination in itself. Step inside, and you’ll discover a space filled with light, colour, and creativity — where every piece tells a story of Cornwall’s untamed beauty.

For Jo and her team, the coast is not just a backdrop — it’s the heart and soul of their work. And for those who love Cornwall, their glass art offers a beautiful way to stay connected to this special place, wherever in the world you may be.

JO DOWNS HANDMADE GLASS
01566 779779
sales@jodowns.com
www. jodowns.com