Broken Images and Refracted Thoughts at Clare Hall

Broken Images and Refracted Thoughts showcases the work of David Mitchell, concentrating on glass pieces from the past five years.

His work is well-known for manipulation of the medium's three dimensional qualities, frequently using glass to create multiple viewing perspectives and to refract images, patterns, colours and text.

The pieces on show exemplify many of Mitchell's unusual techniques, which are painstakingly developed by trial-and-error. On display alongside the fused glass panels and sculptures, for example, is one of his powder glass paintings, 'drawings' made with finely ground glass fired onto glass sheets.

Mitchell grew up in Cambridge, beginning his artistic career at Cambridge College of Art & Design in 1977. After a move to Bournemouth to pursue three-dimensional and interior design, he returned to work as an artist in 2001, studying glass and fine art at Central St Martins.

In 2002, Mitchell gave up design work to concentrate on his work in glass. Last year he opened Café Jello, a specialist glass gallery in Magdalene Street, which also serves as his studio. He has undertaken a number of architectural and private commissions and his work was recently exhibited at the Royal Academy.

Clare Hall was founded in 1966 by Clare College as an Institute for Advanced Study. The College is well known for its informal atmosphere and has the highest fellow to student ratio at the University. It has held regular art exhibitions since its foundation and has acquired a sizeable collection, through donations, purchases and loans.

Broken Images and Refracted Thoughts runs from 27 June to 31 August. The exhibition, which is free and open to all, is being held in Clare Hall Gallery, on Herschel Road (off Grange Road). It is open daily from 9am to 6pm.

For more information contact Lynne Richards, Clare Hall on 01223 332368.