Beautiful Blue Vase unveiled at Stourbridge Glass Museum after 500 hours of painstaking work

Cameo engraver Terri-L Colledge devoted more than 500 hours to engraving the piece, which was officially unveiled at a ceremony on Saturday (May 17).

Inspired by the prized Blue Naples Vase, which was discovered at Pompeii in 1837, The Blue Vase is the result of a painstaking project that also brought together the expertise of glass artists Allister Malcolm, blacksmith Gary Hodgetts and glass cutter Richard Lamming.

The collaboration was inspired to showcase the wealth of specialist glassmaking skills that continue to thrive in the Stourbridge area.

It's not the first time Terri-L, who lives in Coseley, has recreated a classic artefact. In 2012 she engraved a 21st century replica of the famous Portland Vase, the original of which is housed in the British Museum and dates back to AD 5 to 25, with Terri's replica proudly displayed at the Stourbridge Glass Museum.

Terri said of her creations: "I'm just so proud that they're out here and people can see and enjoy them and see that it's still being done."

To commemorate the latest classic replica project, author Graham Fisher MBE has published a book documenting details of the making of The Blue Vase and its cultural significance and this was also launched at Saturday's celebratory event.

He said of the feat: "This stunning interpretation of the iconic Blue Vase is a triumph for local glass artists that will be talked about for many years to come. To a writer this is pure gold and I am greatly privileged to have been the biographer of this inspirational project."

The Blue Vase is now on permanent display at the museum in Camp Hill, Wordsley, which is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10.30am to 4pm.

Membership of the museum is available from £15 and includes access to future events, exhibitions and other member benefits.