Daedalian Glass Studios
Davia Walmsley founded Daedalian Glass Studios in 1986, with the mission of producing and selling her unique glasswork.
While the studio’s capabilities have evolved through years of innovation, Davia’s enduring love for her craft, belief in using only the highest quality raw materials and determination to maintain the highest standards of quality has continued to define Daedalian.
Daedalian joined the Thompsons Contracts group of companies in 2024. With an industry leading reputation, Thompsons delivers the highest quality fit-out, manufacturing, electrical and solar solutions for businesses operating in the food and beverage, leisure and hospitality, sporting venue, retail and workspace sectors. As part of the group, we have strengthened our offering with access to building and engineering expertise, advanced joinery fabrication and increased investment into the studios, while complementing Thompsons’ services with our 40 years of glass expertise and unique specialisms.
“Our values are our anchor. They are what it means to be part of Daedalian Glass Studios and why our customers choose to work with us. Our values are written on the wall of our meeting room, are constantly communicated to our team, and guide every facet of our decision-making process. They are the standards to which we hold ourselves accountable.”
Davia Walmsley, Founder of Daedalian Glass Studios
Our values
We hold these values central to our actions, enabling us to continue delivering beautiful and creative glass products that add unique value and character to every project we’re involved in.
Excellence as standard
From the art and designs we originate and the raw materials we source, to our manufacturing techniques and installation processes, we insist on the highest standards being upheld. Specialising in products of a bespoke nature means we are highly experienced in providing innovative solutions to a client’s request, inspiring creativity and creating outstanding products. Our meticulous attention to fine detail means our glassworks meet high expectations and leave lasting impressions.
Strong relationships
We’re a trusted partner to many prestigious, well-known brands, but we have a unique relationship with every client. By dedicating time to forming strong partnerships and nurturing relationships it means clients can be assured of the high level of service and quality they can expect from us.
We also apply the same approach to our team, investing in training opportunities and promoting a culture of teamwork and collaboration.
Sustainability focused
Everyone has a part to play in protecting our environment and we have an ongoing commitment to operating as a responsible business – setting environmental objectives and targets and monitoring and reviewing our progress regularly.
We look to minimise our carbon footprint by recycling wherever possible, implementing best practices so we can achieve minimal waste generation through responsible disposal practices and utilising advanced equipment to enhance production efficiencies.
Family values
Both Daedalian Glass Studios and the Thompsons Group are family-run companies and both encompass the values that mean every member of our workforce becomes a part of the wider family when they join the team. People are at the heart of what we do and it’s our shared passion for creativity and a like-minded approach to achieving outstanding results, which ultimately benefits our clients.
The Studio at The Old Smithy
Our design studios and production facility are set in picturesque countryside surroundings, just three miles from the busy market town of Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire.
The Old Smithy has been the home of Daedalian Glass Studios since 1994 and part of the reason for the longevity of this location, having absorbed over 20 years of growth within its borders, is the forethought of founder Davia Walmsley when first choosing it.
The grounds extend backwards a deceivingly long distance and as Daedalian has grown, numerous extensions have been added. The 7,500 square foot studios are able to deliver the high quality glass designs our clients expect, as well as enable us to develop innovative methods of production and design styles.
Our Facilities
As we’ve grown as a business, so too has our studio space and capability – giving our clients peace of mind that we have all the tools and experience necessary for their project. Our talented team has everything it needs to be able to undertake sandblasting, etching, fusing, casting, laminating, kiln forming and glass printing projects.
Our facilities include:
- Large casting kilns
- Automated and manual sandblasters
- A spray booth
- A laminating kiln
- Cold pour lamination and UV bonding facilities
- A cold working studio with cutting, drilling and polishing equipment
- 3D CAD, 3D printing and vector line plotters
- A joinery shop
The Team
To maintain the high standards our clients expect, Daedalian has formed a committed, passionate, experienced and skilled team of glass technicians and designers.
Our team lives and breathes our values and collectively offer an encyclopaedic knowledge of luxury glass design.
We’re a close-knit bunch and while we have individual roles and responsibilities, these often overlap, making us great collaborators – both internally and with external partners, be it architects, other glass artists or interior designers.
