WEST MIDLANDS.- The Glass Museum at Broadfield House has purchased a brand new work by famous glass artist Max Jacquard, with funding from independent charity The Art Fund and Ashwood Nurseries.

Entitled Fertile Landscape 2, the piece was made from lead crystal using special casting techniques. It was shown at the British Glass Biennale in 2008 as part of the International Festival of Glass.

The stunning piece is worth over £2,000 and features four bulbs sprouting through a landscape that is modelled on the female form.

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environment and culture, said: "We are extremely grateful to The Art Fund and Ashwood Nurseries for their support. It is difficult for museums to get funding to purchase contemporary works of art so the work of The Art Fund is vital in helping to keep our museums collections up to date."

Max Jacquard is originally from London and has a degree in 3D Design, Ceramics & Glass from Buckinghamshire College. He has exhibited nationally and internationally and in 2001 received a prestigious award from the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers. He was awarded first prize in the British Glass Biennale 2006 for his work For My Lost Loves. Jacquard has works in several collections including the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, and the Museo de Arte en Vidrio de Alcorcon, Madrid