Original, etched portraits: Notonyourskin Glass Engraving on Afflecks’ 3rd Floor

Technology has improved our lives vastly, from the miraculous benefits that make improvements to quality of life, to the more whimsical gains that make us feel like we’re in a futuristic flick. However, technology isn’t great for everything, as Notonyourskin Glass Engraving will likely agree with. Simon Knowles is a glass engraver who works with his hands and not with computers or lasers. As such, he’s reverted back to craftsmanship associated with Victorian times. Intaglio engraving, commissioned portraits (humans and pets alike, including weddings) and personalised glasses are his specialism, but his style is unique – probably on a global level. He taught himself 15 years ago and uses a dentist tool to create hypnotically detailed tones and shades, those that work particularly well with his horror genre portraits. Creating his business after falling ill, it was an exhibition he did for the Amy Winehouse Foundation at Proud Galleries in London that was the catalyst that gave him confidence, leading him to create demand in an otherwise niche market. With a belief that glass work should be accessible to all, his creations are affordable and when they evoke heartfelt thanks from customers, are rewarding, too. Prices vary. Personalised glassware is available from £25 -£500, while portraits are £95 -£600; the image of Amy Winehouse, pictured, is £260. Check out the store’s social media for more images – @notonyourskin and click here to enter an exclusive competition with prizes worth over £600 which we are running in association with Afflecks’ 3rd floor. If you’d like an excuse to pop along to check out the goods on offer at notynyourskin, there’s a free, 3rd floor party taking place on Saturday 21 July from 10am-6pm, with giveaways, discounts, goodie bags and more – as well as the chance to check out 15 independent retailers work in the heart of the city centre. Click here for more details.

Notonyourskin Glass Engraving, 3rd Floor, Afflecks, 52 Church Street, Manchester M4 1PW. Tel: 07835 535 312, www.notonyourskin.co.uk

A Manchester Wire partnership post.