Art glass by Richard Clements, Australia, late 20th /early 21st century

Richard Clements was born in London in 1950, he was first introduced to glass at an open day in the research laboratories where his father worked. Fascinated by the medium he applied for an apprenticeship as a scientific glass blower at the age of 16. It was here that he learnt the technical skills to make some very complicated equipment such as vacuum pumps and spiral condensers. At the age of 20 he migrated to Australia, arriving in Sydney in 1970. He began working in a scientific laboratory and in 1972 with two partners they formed a new business named Argyle Glass, making blown glass items such as dragons, candelabras and mushrooms.   After three years Richard Clements moved to Franklin in Tasmania, where he still works.