What is Carnival Glass? Pressed glass, that is usually patterned and often hand finished, then iridised to give a spectacular ‘oil on water’ effect as the surface reflects back a myriad of tones and hues.

A Fascinating Journey: In this exhibition we travel through time from the inspirations and early years of carnival glass making through to the current day. We look at shapes, colours, patterns, iridescence and makers as we explore the beauty of carnival glass.

A Stourbridge Success Story underpins this exhibition as we follow the journey of Harry Northwood and his cousin, Thomas Dugan, from Stourbridge to America where they set up glass factories producing carnival glass that was developed to bring iridised luxuries into the homes of everyday working people.

These pioneers helped spark a craze for carnival glass, in the early 1900s, that led to its manufacture in other countries, thereby spreading the legacy of Stourbridge’s glass making creativity and expertise worldwide.

The Glass on Display: will be selected from the Stourbridge Glass Museum’s 900-piece Notley-Lerpinière Carnival Glass Collection donated to Dudley Council by the Carnival Glass Society’s founders in 1985, supplemented by items from other sources including the Carnival Glass Society’s Anthony and Maureen Ward Collection. Many of the items are exceptionally rare and have not been displayed before.

Carnival Glass Society: Do join us for this exhibition as we celebrate 40 years of the Carnival Glass Society which is devoted to collecting, appreciating and spreading awareness of all forms of carnival glass, encouraging research into its history, arranging events for our members and circulating information about the glass through our newsletter, making friendships along the way.