Our Story

ABOUT US

Glass By Design reflects the passion of both Angelina & Cathy to bring the joy of making in glass to the community. They deliver most of their workshops in & around Penarth. These are all bookable here

You may also currently meet them through the Lottery funded project for Health & Well Being, held around the Vale of Glamorgan & Cardiff alongside various charities.

Meet the Maker

ANGELINA HALL

"I still find creating a special wall, window, door panel or special gift inspiring. To take places and things of interest and pull them together into a unique design is very exciting."

After doing her degree in ceramics, Angelina discovered glass in the early 1990s and never looked back. She has worked on a number of prestigious commissions and has exhibited her work widely. Whatever the requirements, she will work with clients to design something very special, while always aspiring to offer a very personal service. Angelina does not use pattern books and you can be assured, each piece is not repeated.

Meet the Maker

CATHY O'DOHERTY

“Being able to share the love of making with glass as a mindful experience has been such a rewarding thing. I still love the challenge of designing one off pieces & have met so many lovely people because of this”.

Cathy started her addiction with glass in the mid 1990’s. After initially training as a nurse, followed by a degree in Education/ Language & Communication, she found herself always pulled back to the comfort of working with her hands. Her journey through glass processes led her to buying a kiln. Hence fusing glass became her passion. Her work is quirky, colourful & often humorous. Making family tree word boards & sports awards has kept her busy. Teaching decorative fused glass processes to both adults & children has also brought lots of joy & laughter..

Selected Work

Joint Commissions & Awards

Our Story

A BRIEF HISTORY

Glass By Design was formed in 2016 as a spark of an idea discussed on the back of an envelope after working together on another project. Angelina & Cathy realised the great potential for bringing a unique business to the area by sharing their love & addiction to all things glass & the processes behind making with workshops.

2016–24

THE SHOP YEARS 2016-24

Angelina & Cathy knew first-hand the limited opportunities for artists working with their hands to have the recognition & space to sell original work. Their one-off retail space gave numerous makers from all Wales /borders the opportunity to flourish, & also to develop as tutors with workshops.

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We opened our doors in 2016 right next to Penarth Railway Station. During this time we worked with over 100 makers, & are proud to have given the opportunity to lots of new makers learning the ropes on commercial viability. We closed our doors on the physical space in 2024 in order to concentrate on the other side of our business, & also to gain back some personal time.

During the eight years of being part of the Highstreet, they negotiated:

Glass production shut down due to new emissions laws (no glass = no business!).
Brexit vote.
Covid years/ shutdowns.
Cost-of-living crisis, none of which either of them had considered with their rose-tinted spectacles on.

However, a few things became apparent from this time:

The importance of Community, an aspect of their business they had naturally developed since the outset working alongside local charities & supporting local causes. This also included giving time/ ideas back to the local business community in Penarth (Angelina having the enviable task of chairing it during the lockdowns!).
The importance of their teaching programme, particularly for health & well-being.