Stepping away from an extensive career in the advertising industry, British-based Andy Poplar now channels his creative talent for word play into the form of witty glass etchings.

As Andy, aptly describes; “The actual name for his brand [vinegar & brown paper] derives from an English nursery rhyme called Jack & Jill in which the character ‘Jack’ falls down and injures his head.He then goes to bed ‘…to mend his head with vinegar & brown paper’ “.

The playful use of words is intricately etched by hand onto the carefully chosen pieces of glassware – an idiom graces a milk bottle, a nod to Alice in Wonderland is beautifully recognised, and a vintage periodic flask is cleverly transformed into a unique Gin & Tonic vessel.

Andy’s latest piece is titled [inwhichhappinesshangs] – A beautifully crafted juxaposition piece – traditional in style, and yet reflects a contemporary message with regards to work and life, which may resonate with most.

l was fortunate to ask Andy where he finds inspiration for his work…”For the work itself – I find inspiration in the myriad of tiny accidental connections that exist in the world – all you need to do is look sideways, with one eye half closed and it’s amazing what you can see”.

Going forward, Andy tells me, “the main focus for next year will be a book of photographs based around a museum filled with a collection of etched glass pieces”.

To which l suspect will be equally measured with just the right dose of creative juices and wit.