I think that out of all the glass I make, jugs sum up best the craftsman's problem. Form or function!

Ever since this question raised its ugly little head at my art college 40 odd years ago, it's remained unanswered at the heart of things.

To be honest, with jugs it has never just been a problem for craftsmen, industrial design has provided some absolute shockers - just remember those strange little steel teapots that were so beloved by motorway service stations - they could drip spectacularly. Evidently it has something to do with cutting the flow of liquid off at the right angle, which depends on the runniness, speed of pour and angle of spout, etc. Believe me I'm still struggling with keeping a bit of glass on the end of a blowing iron!

In fact most jugs from gravy boats to pitchers could really do with some sort of saucer.

But the form is just lovely, a perfectly formed spout counterbalanced by a gracefully curved handle - what's not to love? Personally I'm not so enamoured by the handle any more and in glassblowing terms, it can cause a few issues. For me the single handed clutch jug is the 'doggy doo dahs'. I can forgive the pouring issues for the sheer effrontery of the shape. I still veer between a dimpled side, the toy jug hole, or the plumper oval jugs.

So in real terms, fill with cream, gravy, mint sauce, custard, sherry or glitter - it's your choice! But before you pick it up, just admire for a second the humble nearly completely impractical little jug - it's on the table to equally embarrass you and make you smile.