Laser Cutting at Black Country Atelier

Lots to think about this weekend: yesterday I did the Introduction to Laser Cutting course with David Brannon at Black Country Atelier.

This photo shows my first experiments during the class. We used the open source vector graphic program Inkscape to create the drawings. These were then transferred into LaserWorks - the program which actually controls the laser.

By varying the speed and power of the laser, you can achieve different results: cutting or etching to different depths. (You can see two different etching depths in the 'Red' and the 'path' of Redpath)

Our test pieces were done in 3mm birch ply - but it's also possible to cut cardboard, leather, acrylic and even glass..! Different materials need different speed/power settings.

If you're based near Birmingham, I'd recommend Black Country Atelier. The course was a great taster - and once you've had the intro, you can book to use the laser cutter by the hour. I will definitely be visiting them soon!

Birmingham joins Pugin Celebrations

A chance reading of a retweet last night from Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery has alerted me to the fact that we are celebrating Pugin’s bicentenary this year.  Two hundred years since the gothic revivalist and ever-so-slightly-decorative master was born.  

Definitely the kick up the behind I need to go and explore the interior of St Chad’s Cathedral – as it’s rumoured to rival the Houses of Parliament.  And the kind folks at Birmingham Museums / the Pugin Society have put together a trail of other Pugin highlights found in the city.  (Apparently available at city tourist offices now, though I won't be in Birmingham to grab mine until Saturday.)



Hardman Design - for auction(!) at Biddle & Webb, 2 March

As part of a host of bicentennial celebrations in Birmingham (see information here), there will be an exhibition at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter – opening on 22 March.  This will feature the work of John Hardman Jr, who produced a lot of the metalwork and stained glass for Pugin right in the heart of Birmingham. 

I think, between the trail and the exhibition, it looks like I may just get my glass fix!