YOUNG glass designers are hoping to break the mould with an exhibition entitled Smash.
The exhibition, at the National Glass Centre, in Sunderland, features some of the world's most celebrated young designers, including Emmanuel Babled, Jeffrey Bernett, Stephen Burks and Stefano Giovannoni.
Working with the Italian company Covo, Mr Babled commissioned eight international designers, some of whom had never worked with glass, to collaborate with Murano glass makers in Italy.
The island of Murano, near Venice, has a long tradition of craftsmanship in glass, producing beautiful colours and shapes, and working with distinguished designers.
In recent years, Murano has catered more for the tourist trade, and the exhibition aims to resurrect and update its high quality designs.
During the course of the exhibition, which runs at the National Glass Centre until April 14, one designer will work with Phoenix Hot Glass to produce a new prototype
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