Scientific Glassblower and Researcher Dr. Ayako Tani,
holding one of her glass ships in a glass bottle.
BBC RADIO 4 - 7:15PM, SUNDAY 23RD JUNE 2024
A SISTER SOUNDS PRODUCTION FOR BBC RADIO 4
(CURRENTLY IN PRODUCTION)
PRODUCER: JAY SYKES
LEAD INTERVIEWEE: AYAKO TANI
EXEC. PRODUCER: CHANTAL HERBERT
After arriving from Tokyo, Japan in 2006 to Sunderland, UK, a city famous for its all-but-lost legacies of shipbuilding and glassblowing, Tani discovered a passion for documenting the history of 'Glass Ships in Bottles'. Today, considered an 'endangered skill', we believe she is the sole practitioner in the UK whose work focuses on these hand-crafted glass ships, keeping the tradition of this once booming industry alive.
'Vessels of Memory' recreates Ayako's journey of discovery through a multi-layered audio dramamatised documentary, meeting with and learning from Sunderland's now mostly retired glassworkers and engineers who once specialised in making these ornamental ships sold worldwide. Through mixing of interviews and intricate sound design, we will retell moments and experiences that have shaped Ayako's journey exploring and learning this fragile, endangered heritage, alongside those who taught and inspired her.
Initial recordings at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland.
Norman is demonstrating the flame-working process, and the different intensities involved for different parts of the process.
Dr. Ayako Tani (right), pictured with the glassblowers who she trained from when researching her 'Vessels of Memory' thesis.