THAMES Statement by Matthew Buechner: I think I was destined to be a glassmaker. My father worked for Corning Glass and is also an excellent writer and painter. My mother is an artist too, and because of them I grew up with the idea that making objects and painting is very important.I have always liked hard physical activity and one summer I got a chance to work for a glassblower. I really enjoyed it because it was creative but also physical, like a sport. Glassblowing is art, craft and sport all rolled into one. Even now, 20 years later, I still get a thrill out of making a really nice piece of glass.At Thames Glass I design and make the prototypes, build the equipment, train the glassmakers, and supervise the production. When we make more difficult pieces I work on the glassblowing team as the gaffer (head glassmaker).My goal for Thames Glass is to produce the highest possible quality glass and also make sure that the process is a source of pride and pleasure for everyone involved. I want our customers to enjoy our glass and know that it was made by someone, not pumped out by a machine. Years of time and practice have gone into everything we make and that dedication enables us to make beautiful, well-crafted glass that we hope you will enjoy.