Blowing in a New Era: Three Generations, One Family

It's with enormous pride that we announce the launch of our family book; Blowing In A New Era: Three Generations, One Family. 

The book tells the story of our family’s place in global glass art; from a 10-year-old Alasdair Gordon, standing in a classroom at Edinburgh College of Art in 1941, to meeting his life partner Rish Roddan while specialising in glass engraving in 1954; to their grandsons Hamish and Calum Donaldson both winning art prizes in 2025, the book maps beautiful skill and modern craft against the backdrop of an ancient art.

McClelland Gallery + Sculpture Park in Langwarrin are hosting a month-long exhibition to celebrate the book and showcase more than 100 pieces, including artwork from a recent residency at Poatina Arts in Tasmania; inspired by our family's 84-year love affair with glass.

Rish, Kevin, Eileen, Grant, Hamish and Calum will all be at the launch event on Saturday 5th July, with signed books and art available to purchase, and family friend Scott Chaseling making an opening speech.

Books are also available to pre-order for collection on the day.

The exhibition will run from Saturday 5th July to Sunday 27th July, with Hamish and Calum also running an artists' talk on Saturday 19th July at 2pm, McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery.

Photograph by Chris McConville