Stourbridge’s International Festival of Glass got off to a sparkling start with the opening of a centrepiece exhibition showcasing some of Britain’s most talented artists.

The Ruskin Glass Centre in Amblecote is hosting The British Glass Biennale – the UK’s top collection of contemporary glass art.

Dozens of  artists, collectors and enthusiasts flocked to the attraction last night for a sneak peak at the stunning exhibition, which contains more than 130 pieces of work.

Eighty-one artists were selected out of 235 applications to present their creations in the showcase for the chance to win £14,000 worth of awards.

Chairman of the Biennale Jury and director of Fieldings Auctioneers, Will Farmer, said: “This exhibition is fabulous. I was blown away by the sheer quality of work put on display.

“Each year as the expertise grows the level of entries just gets higher and higher. It was a tough decision picking the winner.”

The British Glass Biennale Award 2008 was presented to Tracy Nicholls, of Kingston  upon Thames for her  three-piece exhibit Orphica II inspired by cells under a microscope. The 39-year-old said: “I came here two years ago and thought it was fantastic. It was the first time I had entered so I was gob-smacked to have won.” The Glass Sellers Award 2008 was handed to Bob Crooks, from Devon, with Tim Boswell, of Brierley Hill, receiving the Student Glass Sellers Award 2008.

Exhibition curator Candice-Elena Greer said it had been a lot of work putting the exhibits together but the end result was worth it.

All the exhibits on display are for sale and range in price from £200 to £10,000. The British Glass Biennale is open at the Ruskin Glass Centre everyday between 9am and 5pm until September 22.