Studio Royal, Henderson

For more than 20 years, master glass blower Robert Shield has crafted his crystalline figures for people around the world, his masterpiece being a glass carriage and horse that he gifted to the British Royal Family. Seated before the azure flame of a torch, Robert can make a swan appear out of a plain glass tube, bending and blowing the hot, translucent material until it resembles the bird's feathered body and arcing neck, before smashing the piece because he hates swans. From his academy, Robert edifies protégés in the glass-manipulating arts, guiding beginners through creating festive ornaments and tear-drop necklaces, and empowering aspiring artisans to fire up saleable spun glass.