A PAIR of striking glass wings have been installed at Wordsley's Red House Glass Cone for this year’s International Festival of Glass.

The artwork, entitled Solace, has been designed and made by glass artist Layne Rowe with support from bespoke metal worker and former college friend Ryan Harms.

The three by three metre sculpture is made of a custom-made metal frame with more than 100 individual spokes which in host 100 individually designed glass feathers.

The artist, who uses a lot of drawn glass in his artwork, developed the technique for the feathers in his studio. It takes a whole day to make just four feathers and the sculpture features around 110 of the individually handcrafted pieces.

Solace was originally displayed at St Albans Cathedral and formed the backdrop to the cathedral’s pandemic memorial service. Since then, it has visited Ely Cathedral and the Chelsea Flower Show.

It will be housed at the cone until late September, to coincide with the Crystal Mile Contemporary exhibit at Blowfish gallery.

Although the cone structure itself is temporarily closed to visitors for construction works, visitors to the site can position themselves in the entry way and take an angel themed selfie with themselves standing between the wings.

As part of the International Festival of Glass, staff at the cone are offering free hardhat tours of the cone over the bank holiday while the maintenance works are pending. Some individual white feathers will also be available to buy.

Councillor Simon Phipps, Dudley Council's cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said: "We’re so glad to be participating once again in this year’s International Festival of Glass.

"There’s a huge programme of events and activities, with the cone offering craft sessions, workshops, exhibitions, tours and talks. Whether you’re a glass aficionado or just want something fun to do with the family, it’s a perfect day out."