As part of Heritage Open Days, join us for a thrilling Live Auction hosted by Simon Cottle, Chair of the Glass Society. Former senior auctioneer at Bonhams, London, Simon brings expertise and excitement to every bid. Don’t miss this chance to own a piece of history.
The glass for auction has been kindly donated for this event.
Spaces are limited for this free event, please reserve your place below.
Simon Cottle
With over 40 years’ experience in the decorative arts, Simon began his career at the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1980 specialising in glass, ceramics, and silver and later at Glasgow Museums, before joining Sotheby’s in 1990 as Head of British & European Glass. He became a director and leading auctioneer, heading the British & European Ceramics and Glass department in London until 2007. Moving to Bonhams in that year, as Managing Director of Bonhams regional offices in Europe and the US, he continued to work as a specialist and valuer in international glass, before retiring in 2023. Formally Chairman of the Glass Circle and a founder member of the Glass Association, in January 2024 Simon was appointed the Hon. Chairman of the Glass Society. He is also a Fellow of Corning Glass Museum of Glass, New York. For Heritage Open Day, Simon will be bringing his expertise and showmanship for what promises to be an exciting event.
Stourbridge Glass Museum
Journey through time and witness the fascinating story of the Stourbridge Glass Quarter with two floors of historical and contemporary glass exhibitions, live hot glassmaking and glass engravers demonstrating their skills.
Discover what it was like to work inside an iconic glass cone and how the industry helped this part of the Black Country gain an enviable reputation for creativity and skill – around the world.
From engaging animations and interactive digital displays to live glass making demonstrations and our globally significant collection, Stourbridge Glass Museum is one part of the heritage trail you cannot afford to miss.
The museum charity, the British Glass Foundation (Registered Charity number: 1139252) was formed by the community following the closure of Broadfield House Glass Museum. The BGF acquired the derelict Grade II Listed White House Cone site, formerly Stuart Crystal and part of the historic legacy alongside the Red House Glass Cone. The museum has a 125-year loan of the Dudley MBC Stourbridge Glass Collection, plus its own growing collection, which is made possible thanks to donations for new acquisitions. This auction will help to raise money for the ring-fenced Collections Fund, which is used to purchase new objects for the Stourbridge Glass Collection. The items donated are thanks to generous donations and bequests from collectors, the community, and glass artists.
At the heart of the community with a globally significant collection to educate and inspire.