A passion for glass

Abstract

• In 2009 National Museums Scotland was generously donated over 300 pieces of art and studio glass by the passionate collector, supporter, and promoter of contemporary glass Dan Klein (1938 – 2009), which he had amassed both separately, and alongside his partner Alan J. Poole. Klein notably championed the work of artists from Britain and Ireland for over 30 years, becoming lifelong friends with many, and is recognized for helping bring international recognition to British studio and art glass. If the US market was quick to celebrate glass as a collectable craft, British collectors were more cautious and Dan Klein was instrumental in opening their eyes to the value of the sector. Klein was the founding director of North Lands Creative Glass in northeast Scotland, a prolific author on art made from glass, an art dealer, and the former director of 20th century decorative art for Christie’s auctions. Join Sarah Rothwell, Senior Curator of Modern & Contemporary Design at National Museums Scotland to learn about Klein, his work in promoting glass as an art form, the creation of his collection, and its significance.