A fascinating selection of glass, loaned for display by the Broadfield House Glass Museum in Dudley, is currently on display at Nature in Art, Twigworth.

This display focuses on the remarkable skill of a man named Amalric Walter (1870-1959) who mastered the sculptural glass technique of pâte de verre.

Pâte de verre dates back to the second millennium B.C. The Mesopotamians were the first to leave records of the process which they used for inlays in jewellery and sculpture. The Egyptians used the technique in intricate mosaics and vessels between 1500 and 1000 B.C. When the Romans invented glassblowing, glass became easier and less expensive and pâte de verre declined until its revival in the 19th century.

Walter worked at the Daum factory, France with the Daum brothers and during the First World War was able to master his technique, created tiles, dishes, busts and a bestiary. All of his works feature animal subjects ranging from the chamelion (pictured) to crabs, insects, fish and birds.

The pieces in this exhibition are a testament to Walter's skills and ability to master the problems associated with the technique, including: mould breakdown, imprecise temperature control, unwanted flows of colour and gaps in the used glass.

A single three-dimensional piece may take hours to produce with the various layers of colour needing to be arranged in the mould.

The items on display are the largest collection of Walter's work ever seen in the UK and had never been on public display until 2006.

'A Glass Menagerie' continues until April 13. Admission Charges apply.