TWO Yorkshire glass-makers have been recognised for their work, as it goes on display at a prestigious exhibition celebrating the UK’s leading craft makers.

The work of Stephen Gillies and Kate Jones will be displayed in April’s showcase of a range of designer-makers at London’s Royal Academy of Arts.

The couple run their own studio, Gillies Jones, from Rosedale Abbey in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors.

Kate Jones said: “We’re delighted to be selected as part of this prestigious showcase of contemporary craft, showing our work alongside 30 makers across the disciplines in a unique cultural organisation: a place where art is made, exhibited and debated.”

Stephen Gillies said: “I think they were impressed by the quality of our work and the technical ability we’ve shown.

“We were thrilled to be chosen, it’s fantastic to be able to represent North Yorkshire.”

The exhibition is entitled “Crafted: Makers of the Exceptional” and celebrates the work of some of Britain’s most talented designer-makers.

Kate and Stephen have been chosen for the display as alumni of the Crafted mentoring programme, which aims to protect and promote traditional skills.

The scheme pairs up craft makers with experts from their field, who help them to develop their skills through workshops and coaching.

Stephen said: “The Crafted programme was a very big help. It was great to be put in touch with mentors and be involved with the other craft makers.”

The couple, who have been in business together for 19 years, will both be heading to London to attend next week’s exhibition.

One of their landscape glass pieces typically takes a week to be produced. Stephen blows the glass into shape before passing over to Kate, who creates the intricate surface decoration.

Running from Thursday, April 3 to Saturday, April 5, the exhibition is free of charge for visitors.