Keith Leadbetter initially worked in pottery and in laboratory glass blowing in the UK. In the late sixties, he attended the prestigious Orrefors Glass School in Sweden to formally train as a master glassblower. After travelling extensively throughout Europe to develop his skills as a glass maker, Keith returned to Ireland and with his wife Kathleen started Jerpoint Glass Studio in December of 1979, from the converted Dutch barn at their home in Co. Kilkenny. Their skill and passion for glass has now been passed onto their four children, who are all actively involved in the business.