A one-of-a-kind freestanding fused glass seahorse artwork by Jan Simpson, bringing together traditional stained-glass construction, kiln-formed glass and sculptural casting.
Where the Seahorse Waits creates a luminous underwater world of turquoise water, rising green seaweed and richly textured coral in glowing shades of orange, amber and violet.
At its centre, a hand-cast, three-dimensional glass seahorse appears suspended within a softly coloured circular lens. Held apart from the surrounding reef, it seems to hover quietly in its own moment of stillness. Its colour and detail shift as the light changes, revealing flashes of aqua, blue, green and violet within the glass.
Strong, flowing lead lines move through the composition like underwater currents, bringing structure to the panel while guiding the eye between the seahorse, seaweed and coral. Fine bubbles and natural textures within the kiln-formed glass add depth and movement to the surrounding water.
This is an original artwork and the exact piece shown in the photographs.
THE STORY BEHIND THE WORK
Where the Seahorse Waits returns to an idea first explored around thirty years ago, while I was completing my City & Guilds studies.
For my college piece, I created a stained-glass window inspired by memories of swimming in warm Asian seas and seeing seahorses drifting almost unnoticed among the seaweed near the piers. One of those seahorses remained particularly important to me and became the starting point for this later work.
The original college window is shown in the final photograph for context and is not included in the sale.
Where the Seahorse Waits is not a reproduction of that earlier window. Instead, it revisits the memory through the materials, techniques and visual language I have developed during the intervening thirty years.
The small seahorse that once formed part of a wider underwater scene has become the quiet centre of this new work. Suspended within its circular glass setting, it feels both protected and observed—a delicate presence waiting within a much larger world.
The piece brings together different periods of my life and practice: early experiments with stained glass, childhood memories of the sea, and my continuing exploration of how kiln-formed glass can hold colour, texture, light and narrative.
CONSTRUCTION AND DISPLAY
The artwork combines individually cut and kiln-formed glass with traditional leaded-glass construction. Its central seahorse has been cast separately to create a softly three-dimensional form before being incorporated into the finished panel.
The glass is presented within a substantial black metal frame and freestanding display stand, allowing it to be positioned where light can pass through the work without requiring permanent installation.
It can be displayed near a window or in another light-filled position, where the translucent colours will become especially vivid. It may also be illuminated from behind or placed where changing daylight can reveal the depth and texture of the glass throughout the day.
The metal frame and freestanding base are included.
Overall dimensions, including stand: 30 × 58 × 20 cm
PURCHASING AND DELIVERY
COLLECTION AND DELIVERY
Due to the size, weight and fragile nature of this original artwork, standard parcel delivery is not available.
Collection from my West Sussex studio is free and by appointment. Specialist delivery may be arranged separately; please contact me before purchasing if collection is not possible so that I can obtain a suitable quotation.
Designed and handmade by Jan Simpson in her West Sussex studio.
One original artwork only.
Studio price: £2,800

Where the Seahorse Waits — Original Fused-Glass Seahorse Artwork

£2,800.00

Quantity

Each piece is individually handmade. Minor variations in colour, pattern, dimensions, texture and small bubbles or marks created during the glassmaking process are part of its individual character and are not faults.

Where a listing is for a one-of-a-kind piece, the customer will receive the exact item shown. Please be aware that transparent glass can appear different depending on the surrounding light, background and individual screen settings.
• For indoor decorative use only.

• Place the piece on a stable, level surface away from the edge of shelves, mantelpieces and windowsills.

• Always lift and move it by supporting the glass base. Do not lift it by the sail or chrome fitting.

• Clean gently using a soft duster or dry microfibre cloth.

• If necessary, apply a small amount of glass-cleaning polish to the cloth rather than spraying it directly onto the piece.

• Avoid saturating the chrome fitting, adhesive or bonded areas.

• Do not place in a dishwasher.

• Do not immerse or soak the piece or its handmade base in water.

• Do not use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads or harsh chemicals.

• Protect the glass from knocks, falls, direct heat and sudden temperature changes.

• This is a fragile decorative glass object and is not a toy. Keep it out of reach of young children and pets, taking particular care with detachable components and chrome fittings
I hope you will be delighted with your glass. If you change your mind about a ready-made piece purchased online, please contact me through the website within 14 days of receiving your order.

The item must then be returned within a further 14 days, undamaged and in its original condition.

For change-of-mind returns, the buyer is responsible for all return postage costs and for packaging the glass securely. Please reuse the original packaging wherever possible. A tracked and appropriately insured delivery service is strongly recommended, as the buyer remains responsible for the item until it is safely received.

Once the returned piece has been received and inspected, the purchase price and original standard delivery charge will be refunded using the original payment method. Any additional amount paid for express or enhanced delivery will not be refunded.

I reserve the right to make an appropriate deduction if the item has been handled beyond what is reasonably necessary to examine it, or if its value has been reduced through damage, use or inadequate return packaging.

PERSONALISED AND CUSTOM-MADE PIECES

Pieces personalised or made to an individual customer’s specification cannot be cancelled or returned because of a change of mind.

This does not affect your statutory rights if an item is faulty, damaged on arrival or not as described.

FAULTS AND TRANSIT DAMAGE

Every order is carefully inspected and securely packed before dispatch.

If your order arrives damaged, faulty or incorrect, please contact me as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours, and retain the item and all packaging. Photographs of the glass, internal packaging and outer box will help me resolve transit damage quickly.

Please do not return a damaged or faulty item before contacting me. If a return is required because the item is faulty, damaged on arrival or not as described, I will cover reasonable return postage costs and provide the appropriate repair, replacement or refund in accordance with your statutory rights.

The request to report transit damage promptly helps with courier claims and does not affect your statutory rights.

Where the Seahorse Waits — Original Fused-Glass Seahorse Artwork

HANDMADE CHARACTER

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

RETURNS AND CANCELLATIONS