Welcome to the International Festival of Glass!

Stourbridge Glass Museum joins the host of the International Festival of Glass and the Glass Biennale at Ruskin Glass Centre.

During the festival there is an amazing array of exhibitions, glassmaking demonstrations, lectures, performances, workshops and activities.

Other partners include:

Allister Malcolm Glass, Contemporary Glass Society, Blowfish Glass, Red House Cone, Riverside House, General Office & The Lace Guild.

Sunday 25th August at Stourbridge Glass Museum

Exhibitions

Contemporary Glass Society: New Horizons

The New Horizons exhibition features contemporary glasswork that challenges and explores the boundaries of the medium. It showcases traditional and modern techniques, with works either specially made for the exhibition or created since 2022 but never before exhibited. The diverse range of glassmaking processes includes hot glass, casting, kiln-formed, pâte de verre, lampworking, neon, and stained glass by artists such as Anthony Amoako Attam, Emma Baker, and many more. This exhibition reflects the dynamism and talent of contemporary glass in the UK. The exhibition continues until November 17 2024.

Greener Glass: An Exhibition of Environmentally Sustainable Glass Art

Co-curated by UK artists and University of Birmingham students, showcases environmentally sustainable glass art. Featuring eleven artists, including Stourbridge Glass Museum’s artists in residence, the exhibition highlights innovative techniques in kiln work, glass blowing, and mosaic, using recycled materials and renewable energy to emphasise eco-friendly practices and environmental themes.

During the festival, our knowledgeable volunteers are available in both historical and contemporary galleries to discuss the exhibits.

Hot Glass Demonstrations

11:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Join master glassmakers and Stourbridge Glass Museum trustees, Elliot Walker and Chris Day, in Allister Malcolm’s studio for a captivating live glassmaking demonstration!

Allister Malcolm is a renowned British glass artist known for his innovative techniques and dynamic designs that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. His work is widely exhibited and collected, showcasing a mastery of form and colour that captivates audiences globally.  Allister featured on the BBC’s Make it at Market series as a mentor to glass artists.

Elliot Walker is one of the UK’s finest glass artist known for his intricate and imaginative glass sculptures, often inspired by organic forms and classical still-life compositions. Trained at the University of Wolverhampton, he has gained international acclaim for his innovative techniques. Elliot was winner of the second season of the Netflix series Blown Away!

Chris Day is a contemporary glass artist known for his powerful and evocative works that explore themes of identity, race, and social history. Blending traditional glass techniques with innovative approaches, Chris’s art often reflects on the African diaspora and the Black experience in the United Kingdom.

Glass Engraving and Casual Conversation Terri-L. Colledge

10:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Terri Colledge, a renowned Cameo glass engraver, will showcase her skills in creating nature-inspired pieces using sandblasting and high-pressure flex drive drills. Terri’s unique works are inspired by the Cameo glass of Thomas Webb and George Woodall and are sought after worldwide.

Talks

Join us for a series of expert talks aligned with the festival theme, Past, Present, Future.

2:00 PM

• Past – Graham Fisher MBE. The decline of crystal factories and the emergence of studio glass.

3:00 PM

• Present – Terri L. Colledge. The Naples Blue Vase Project, Contemporary Cameo glass.

4:00 PM

• Future – Allister Malcolm. How can a glassmaking studio aim to reach net zero targets?

Allister will be joined by representatives from Interpower Induction and Kilncare.

Children at the festival

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Children’s games and library space in the historical gallery. Museum festival trail and activity sheets are available at the reception desk.