This in from the NatWest Island Games organisers, in their own words. Ed
One of the UK’s leading studio glass designers, Isle of Wight Studio Glass Limited based in St.Lawrence, has been commissioned by the 2011 NatWest Island Games Organising Committee to produce 1555 gold, silver and bronze glass medals which will be presented to the winning athletes at the Games this June.
The Isle of Wight glassmakers worked with the Games graphic designers, Octopus Designs, to create these medals, the first time a glass medal has been presented at a major international sporting event.
Winning athletes from the NatWest Island Games will not only take home the glory of winning at the Games but will also be carrying back a unique medal created for them on a sister island.
David Ball, Chairman of the IW Island Games Association said, “This is truly a great compliment for these two local companies to be commissioned to design and produce the Games medals, which I am sure are destined to be a collector’s piece”.
Hand-thrown medals
Tim Harris, MD and Master Glassmaker said, “In order to make these medals we have used over half a ton of glass, with six different processes. A tremendous amount of work goes into the creation of the medals.
Each medal is hand-thrown in hot glass, with colour blends, is then polished, etched, sandblasted and filled with Gold, Silver and Bronze”
265 Commemorative medals will also be presented to dignitaries and officials as a memorable gift of this auspicious occasion.
Limited edition souvenirs
There will also be a limited edition souvenir made by Isle of Wight Studio Glass which can be purchased from the Games Office throughout the week.
These can also be ordered after the Games have taken place.
