London Glassblowing in Bermondsey Street

If your Valentine's Day celebrations don't include Venice and a boat road out to the wonderful island of Murano where all that beautiful glass is made, then this exhibition might ease the pain a little.

On Thursday I went along to a private view of Peter Layton's "Heavenly Scent" - featuring the work of 30 artists in glass perfume bottles, paperweights, vases and jewellery. It runs until 27th February. I like "selling" exhibitions because it means that, theoretically at least, you could buy one of of the more affordable pieces if it really took your fancy.

Whilst I can't say that I am a big fan of glass there really were some stunning pieces amongst the fairly predictable swirly bowls. For example, I loved a sculpture of broken mirrors with blood red pieces in the shape of a bust (only £3,000) and some of the amphora shapes you really, really want to touch. There was an amazing piece depicting a bulb growing out of earth - it was very lifelike. There were also some chunkier pieces of plain glass - modern and heavy and intriguing. My friend was really taken with a bright red glass bangle (I think this one was £300 - ouch!) and there were at least two others eyeing the very same piece. More affordable were some red glass lip brooches - which would make excellent Valentine's Day gifts.

Having walked around the front exhibition, you can potter into the back area where the sales items and seconds are sold. Much more reasonable prices here.

The exhibition is in Bermondsey Street (an easy walk from London Bridge) and thus surrounded by an assortment of great bars and restaurants for before or after your visit. As it happens, we didn't feel up to the really buzzing Borough Bar (although we are often there on other occasions) and took in the tranquility and the fabulous coffee and club sandwiches at the London Bridge Hotel (London Bridge Street) with its beautiful interiors (love that stripey rug).