EDINBURGH.- A dazzling selection of work from one of the most comprehensive collections of modern glass by artists from across the world is on display at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. The exhibition is on view from 20 May 2011 through 11 September 2011. A Passion For Glass showcases work never before seen by the public from a collection recently gifted to National Museums Scotland by Alan J Poole and the late Dan Klein, world authorities in the field of 20th century studio glass.

The studio glass movement began in the mid 20th century following the development of small-scale furnaces that enabled makers to create individual pieces in a studio environment rather than a factory. Alan and Dan were instrumental in setting up North Lands Creative Glass – an internationally recognised centre of excellence established in Lybster near Caithness in 1996 to stimulate a growing interest in the possibilities of glass as an art form.

The exhibition showcases 130 beautiful objects from over 100 different makers including many artists from or working in Scotland. The objects span more than four decades, from the 1970s up to 2009 and show the changes in styles and techniques over that time.

Speaking at the exhibition launch in Edinburgh, Alan J Poole said: “Dan and I were both passionate about modern studio glass and wanted to build our own collection filled with beautifully crafted pieces that we loved and wanted to live with. We have had strong associations with Scotland over the years, not least through our links to North Lands Creative Glass, so it’s wonderful to see these treasured pieces on display here at the National Museum of Scotland for others to enjoy.”

Rose Watban, Senior Curator, Applied Art and Design, National Museums Scotland said: “The collection donated by Alan and Dan is of great international significance and contains some exquisite works by makers from across the globe. We haven’t been able to show the whole collection but have selected dozens of fascinating pieces that we believe will surprise and delight our visitors. We’re thrilled that the collection has been gifted to National Museums Scotland and are very pleased that people now has the chance to see these very special works.