Jaron James

Literature

Despite its beauty, and the unquestionable talent of ancient glassmakers, iridescence was not an intentional effect in antiquity. It is caused by alkali being leached from the glass by slightly acidic water present in soil. This causes the formation of fine layers that eventually flake off causing a prism effect on light bouncing off and passing through the surface.

It is thought that the word 'iridescence' comes from Iris, the Greek goddess of rainbows, which reflects the rainbow-like effect that changes according to the angle from which it is viewed, or the angle of incidence of the source of light. What is so captivating about the iridescence of ancient glass is the interplay of lustrous, changing colours that take many different forms on the body of the glass, or even within the rim of a vessel.

We are delighted to be collaborating with photographer Jaron James on this project. Having worked together for many years photographing beautiful and captivating objects, the idea for this exhibition arose from Jaron’s pleasure in shooting select parts of objects, the details.

Jaron James (b.1975) graduated in Documentary Photography in 2000 from Newport University, South Wales. Since then Jaron has photographed for The Science Museum, and worked at the Victoria & Albert Museum for five years.

Now freelancing, Jaron works with a strong client base which includes The National Trust, English Heritage, Leighton House, Art UK, The Powell Cotton Museum and various important Fine Art and Ancient Art dealers.