A Celebration of Glass at Stourbridge Glass Museum
Friday 21 ~ Sunday 23 August 2026
Stourbridge Glass Museum is delighted to be part of A Celebration of Glass 2026, a weekend-long festival celebrating the rich heritage, contemporary creativity and enduring craft of glassmaking across Stourbridge’s Glass Quarter.
Over three days, visitors can enjoy major exhibitions, artist talks, live glassmaking demonstrations and special events, while exploring the wider programme taking place at venues across The Glass Quarter.
What’s On at Stourbridge Glass Museum
Some Old, Some New: Keith Cummings
Exhibition dates: 22 August 2026 – 22 February 2027
A major retrospective exhibition celebrating the work of internationally renowned glass artist and educator Professor Keith Cummings. Bringing together works from across his distinguished career, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to explore the development of one of Britain’s most influential glassmakers.
Exclusive Members’ Private View
Friday 21 August
Museum members are invited to attend an exclusive private view of Some Old, Some New: Keith Cummings before the exhibition opens to the public.
Membership supports the museum’s charitable work and provides access to a range of special events throughout the year, including exhibition previews and members-only experiences.
Not a member yet? Join today to receive your invitation to this special event.
Artefacts of the Future Award Winners
The winners of the Artefacts of the Future competition will be announced during A Celebration of Glass. Four winning works will be selected for acquisition into the museum’s permanent collection, with the awards presented as part of the festival celebrations.
Keith Cummings Artist Talk
Saturday 22 August, 12.00pm
Join Professor Keith Cummings as he reflects on his remarkable career, discusses the ideas and influences behind his work, and shares insights into the evolution of contemporary studio glass. Tickets only for this event.
Endangered Crafts
On display until 7 November 2026
Presented in partnership with the Contemporary Glass Society and Heritage Crafts, this thought-provoking exhibition shines a spotlight on traditional skills at risk of disappearing and celebrates the makers working to preserve them for future generations.
Live Glassmaking & Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers Doodle Competition
Saturday 22 August
Watch Allister Malcolm and his team transform the winning designs from the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers’ Doodle Competition into finished glass artworks in Allister’s Glass Studio.
Demonstration Times
2nd and 3rd Prize Winning Designs
10.30am – 1.00pm
1st Prize Winning Design
1.30pm – 4.00pm
Truly Neutral
Sunday 23 August
Allister’s first day of carbon-neutral glassmaking. Celebrating another milestone in the studio. Re-working vintage Stuart Crystal into contemporary works of art.
Demonstration Times
10.30am – 1.00pm
1.30pm – 4.00pm
Glass Fused Garden Ornament Workshop
Sunday 23 August
Join us for a hands-on Glass Fusing Workshop, where you will design and create your own unique garden ornament using recycled glass. In this creative session, you’ll explore colour, texture, and composition as you build a decorative piece inspired by natural outdoor forms. This workshop is suitable for adults only. The session takes place in a fully accessible space. Booking is essential, as spaces are limited.
This Workshop is now fully booked.
Across the Glass Quarter
As part of A Celebration of Glass, visitors can also enjoy a programme of events at venues across The Glass Quarter.
Explore the 20th Century Stourbridge Giants exhibition, offering a rare opportunity to view and purchase works from this significant collection of glass.
Discover Fifteen x Fifteen 2026, an international exhibition featuring selected artists from around the world and showcasing the breadth and diversity of contemporary glass practice.
Browse an Artisan Makers Market featuring independent makers working across glass, jewellery, ceramics, textiles and contemporary craft. Visitors can also take part in creative workshops and explore open studios throughout the historic Cone site.
Chance Glass – Cape Custard
A family-friendly theatre performance presented by Black Country Touring, inspired by the history of Chance Glass.
Plan Your Visit
A Celebration of Glass is designed as a full day out across the Stourbridge Glass Quarter, with cafés, pubs and canal-side venues nearby offering plenty of places to pause, refresh and reflect between events.
Within easy reach of the participating sites, visitors will find a range of independent cafés, traditional pubs and local restaurants, many set within or alongside the historic industrial landscape of the Glass Quarter.
Highlights include relaxed café spaces at Heavenly Baking in the Red House Glass Cone and the Glasshouse Café at Ruskin Mill, both offering light lunches, cakes and refreshments throughout the day.
For those wishing to stay longer into the evening or explore the waterways, nearby pubs such as the Old Wharf Inn, The Roe Deer, and The Glassworks provide food, drinks and canal-side or community settings ideal for continuing the weekend atmosphere.
We encourage visitors to explore, take their time, and enjoy the wider setting of Stourbridge as part of the festival experience.
Date:
Friday 21st – Sunday 23rd August
Time:
10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Admission:
Adults: £10.00
Children: Free
Tickets:
Buy your ticket on arrival. Your ticket is valid throughout the weekend, Friday 21st – Monday 23rd August. Please retain your receipt!