Opening weekend for new glass museum
THE British Glass Foundation’s brand new Stourbridge Glass Museum in High Street, Wordsley, will be open to the public on Saturday April 9 from 10:00am onwards.
Stourbridge Glass Museum is the culmination of over a decade of work by the British Glass Foundation and its partners in securing a new home for the internationallyrenowned Stourbridge Glass collection following the closure in 2015 of Broadfield House Glass Museum in Kingswinford, where it was previously held.
The new museum also features the work of modern glassmakers, presenting both historic and contemporary glassmaking.
Graham Knowles, BGF Chairman, said: “This is a great day for Stourbridge in reinforcing its position as a centre of excellence for glass and glassmaking. We are indebted to the people of Stourbridge and beyond for having the faith in us to deliver the vision in the form of this inspirational new facility.”
The Stourbridge Glass collection contains thousands of items and examples from it will be displayed on a rotational basis. There is also a range of interactive displays and ‘hands’-on’ opportunities in a working ‘Hot studio’.
The BGF also has a programme of events, including exhibitions, presentations, outreach, learning and other activities.
The creation of the museum on the site of the former Stuart Crystal works, which closed in 2001, has been made possible by the widespread support of many individuals and organisations. Principal among these are the European Regional Development Fund, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Dudley MBC and Complex Development Projects Ltd., owners of the site.
The opening day will showcase one of the finest collections of British and international glass from the past four centuries, as well as the work of visiting exhibitor Vanessa Cutler. Her work will be followed by a series of exhibitions by contemporary glass artists and a presentation of work by the Contemporary Glass Society who are celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2022.
Robyn Llewellyn, Director, England,
Midlands and East at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It’s thanks to National Lottery players that we are able to support ambitious projects such as the opening of Stourbridge Glass Museum. I am especially excited that the museum will bring to life the region’s important glass-making heritage whilst also championing contemporary British artists, and it’s great that communities in Stourbridge and the wider region will be able to enjoy Vanessa Cutler’s work.” Details of opening times, admission charges and further information are available on the museum’s website www.stourbridgeglassmu seum.org.uk
Opening day will showcase one of the finest collections of British and international glass from the past four centuries