KINGSWINFORD based writer, glass expert and broadcaster Graham Fisher will be launching his latest book as part of the International Festival of Glass.

Jewels on the Cut author Mr Fisher was asked by a team of Stourbridge glassmakers to record their efforts to recreate the Portland Vase - the most famous cameo piece in antiquity.

The piece, which made its public debut at Kinver Country Fair in June, will be officially unveiled at Hagley Hall on Wednesday August 22.

And Mr Fisher’s detailed account of the historic glassmaking endeavor, entitled ‘The 2012 Portland Vase Project; Recreation of a Masterpiece’, will be launched at 10.30am on Friday August 24 at Amblecote’s Ruskin Glass Centre where Ian Dury of Stourbridge Glass Engravers will give an overview of the project that inspired it.

Mr Fisher MBE said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been asked to record the events for posterity in this book, which is in tribute to all the glassmakers and artists who have helped, and continue to help, make the Stourbridge Glass industry the envy of the world.

“2012 is a historic year for glass, being the 400th anniversary of glassmaking in the area.

“The recreation of such a revered piece as the Portland Vase is a clear indication of the depth of talent still extant around these parts.”

The book also includes notes on the principles of glassmaking, the 400-year-old Stourbridge Glass industry and the development of cameo glass from Roman times, plus a detailed account of the original Portland Vase.

Priced £12.50, it will be available at the launch and direct from Sparrow Publishing - sparrow.publishing@mac.com