An internationally-renowned glass artist from the Isle of Man has received her PhD, prior to her opening an exhibition on the island.

Dr Julie Anne Denton was awarded her doctorate from the National Glass Centre at the University of Sunderland, accepting her diploma at a degree ceremony held at the Stadium of Light football ground.

Julie, formerly of Douglas, now lives and works from her studio in Zurich, Switzerland.

She has spent the last seven years working towards her PhD, which was based around her research thesis, entitled ’Inner Space - The development of repeatable techniques to integrate flame-worked inclusions into and onto the sandcast glass form for artists’.

She also created a series of works under the three titles ’Anima Mundi’, ’Kindergarten’ and ’Heads’, charting the artist’s professional artistic journey.

Julie is a hugely successful artist in her field, and has exhibited and taught all over the world, including Europe, the UK and the USA.

The former Sayle Gallery artist-in-residence has worked for Manx National Heritage, Tate Britain, Liberty’s and currently creates designer items for Phillip Morris International whilst working alongside Captitudes a Zürich based arts agency.

Julie’s contemporary glass has been displayed at the Saatchi gallery in the King’s Road, London, and she displays her work in contemporary galleries throughout Europe all year round.

Also, her work teaching in Istanbul has led her to exhibit her works throughout Turkey.

Previously Julie has won the North American Manx Association award for outstanding artwork, and been awarded bursaries for a number of diverse endeavours.

She has also won the Pearson’s prize for cast glass and writes articles for a number of journals concerning ancient glassmaking techniques.

Julie will be premiering the glass artworks with an exhibition, held at Studio 42, Bay View Road, Port St Mary, opening with a preview night on Thursday, April 12, and remaining on display from Friday April 13 until mid-July.