The bespoke screen is in two parts, set into bespoke channels between existing walls, providing privacy and an acoustic barrier for private discussion.

Dimbleby Cancer Care was established as a charity in memory of broadcaster Richard Dimbleby, offering care and support for people suffering from cancer. The Dimbleby Centre has a large information area and a suite of consulting and therapy rooms, creating a peaceful and welcoming environment for patients and visitors.

Ion Glass worked with sculptor Nicholas Dimbleby, developing his vision of a gently curving glass screen from a hand-drawn sketch to technical drawings, taking the design from concept to manufacture and successful installation.

Deceptively simple, the screen curves in opposing directions, created from five curved glass panels set into bespoke aluminium channels and fixed at either end with two poles fitting directly into the ceiling. Ion Glass were responsible for the bespoke manufacture of the metalwork, including commissioning the power coated finish to meet the client’s specifications. With no option to change the ceiling grids the metalwork had to be perfectly sized and positioned for successful installation, at the same time ensuring the two glass screens flowed cohesively together and provide an entry to the new space with easy wheelchair access.

The individual glass panels were manufactured to create a seamless finish, accommodating the opposing glass curves without creating a step and using translucent silicon sealant for a flawless result.

Installation took place over a single weekend when the centre was closed for patients, with the Ion Team working through the night to meet the tight completion deadline and ensure uninterrupted access for patients on weekdays.

After installation, the end poles were concealed behind bespoke wooden columns. The finishing touch to the glass screens will be an applied manifestation to reflect the botanical design on the back wall of the Centre, providing partial obscurity to the glass panels for additional privacy.

This flowing design of the glass screen combines the style and vision of Nicholas Dimbleby with the technical design and structural glass expertise of Ion Glass. The screen is also a testament to the skills of the installation team, both in manufacturing the bespoke curved aluminium channel and ensuring the curved glass panels fitted perfectly.