Amanda’s work has proved popular since she graduated with a degree in 3D Design Glass and Ceramics from the University of Sunderland. She sold an astounding 24 pieces at her degree show – raising enough money to buy the equipment for her own workshop.

Amanda uses skilful cutting and polishing to reveal the clear optical qualities that can magnify textures and reflections, playing with the viewers' perceptions. Her Protozoon series was based around the patterns of plankton skeleton, inspired by sea life books that captured her imagination in the college library. 'People weren't sure what was solid and what was hollow, so they had to use touch to find out. It played with people's senses.'

Charlie Macpherson set up as a designer-maker in 2000, when he was awarded an 'artist in resident' position as part of North West Arts Board's setting-up-scheme, moving into his current workshop in 2001.

'Through the use of subtle colour and intricate cane inclusions, my glass pieces combine hand blowing techniques with cutting and polishing to achieve interesting forms, strong lines and optical qualities. I make a variety of work including 'one-offs' for exhibition and a range of repeatable pieces that are supplied to galleries.'
- Charlie Macpherson 2005

Each piece is hand blown by Charlie, using subtle changes to the colour combinations to produce unique work evolving around central themes. He uses a variety of techniques, often trapping glass cane inclusions between the layers of molten glass to achieve the optical qualities within each piece. Once the pieces have been blown, and cooled overnight in an annealing kiln, they are taken through six stages of polishing. These polishing processes give great depth and lustre to the broad spectrum of colours he uses in his work.

His work is widely exhibited in the UK and is held in corporate and public collections. His commissions include work for major UK companies and educational institutions. He has won a number of prestigious awards.