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Cook's Series - Glass works developing a narrative about Captain Cook’s voyages

Maskrey’s practice-led research into the use of hot glass as a means to communicate historical narratives aimed to investigate the voyages of Captain Cook. The work was underpinned by research into the museum archives at the Captain Cook Memorial Museum and Perth Museum & Art Gallery, specifically Cook’s journals held in the museum’s collection. Through the creation of two series of glass objects, ‘Cooks Eggs’ (3 pieces) and Dietary Curiosities’ (9 pieces) the work focuses on imagined curiosities from New Zealand and Australia.

‘Cook’s Eggs’ was initially shown at ‘Recollect’ at Burgh House (May 2010), Hampstead Heath and toured to London Glassblowing Gallery (2010). It was selected for the British Glass Biennale 2012 where it was described in the catalogue as ‘topical, amusing, perfectly executed, making use of both narrative and irony and preserving features in contemporary glass production which suit the English mentality so well’. This went on to travel with the national touring exhibition ‘Breath Taking’, selected by the Crafts Council, being exhibited at: Bilston Craft Gallery, Wolverhampton (Jan-Mar 2011); Callendar House, Falkirk (7 May – 2 Jul 2011); and Durham DLI Art Gallery and Museum (9 Jul – 29 Aug 2011), Aberdeen Museum & Art Gallery (Sept – Oct 2011), Oriel Wrecsam, Wrexham (December 2011-January 2012).

Perth Museum & Art Gallery acquired several pieces for their permanent collection following its inclusion in ‘Trove’ (March-December 2011). The work further developed to encompass factual dietary curiosities acquired and developed for and during Cook’s voyages for a second installation ‘Eating the Exotic’ at The Captain Cook Memorial Museum (June-December 2012) who retained a piece for their collection.