Brian Hirst combines various techniques - including casting, blowing into a mould, free-blowing, gilding, cutting, engraving and acid etching - to produce forms reminiscent of ancient ritual vessels.

While the gilded and engraved detail of Hirst's glass reflect his close study of antique decorative traditions, the flattened and tapering shape of this work is inspired by the featureless heads of prehistoric stone carvings from the Cycladic islands. These carvings are thought to have been symbols of fertility.

In Hirst's Guardian I, a heavy red-brown sacswells the upper portion of this vessel. The rim is embellished with gold lustre like a Renaissance chalice. A gilded panel beneath is incised with a short 'text' in a manner that reflects Hirst's early training as a printmaker.

Ian MOWBRAY