Experience a weekend of live glassmaking demonstrations celebrating the traditional skills that have shaped Stourbridge’s rich glassmaking heritage. As part of our Endangered Crafts exhibition, in collaboration with The Contemporary Glass Society, watch leading artists and makers demonstrate specialist techniques that are becoming increasingly rare to see in practice.
Featured demonstration: Allister Malcolm
As part of the Endangered Crafts exhibition, in collaboration with the Contemporary Glass Society, Allister Malcolm will present live glassmaking demonstrations across the opening Saturday.
11:00am–1:00pm, Allister will demonstrate traditional glass cutting, an endangered heritage craft recognised on the Heritage Crafts Red List. Visitors can watch as this precise and skilled technique is brought to life.
2:00–3:30pm, Allister will move to the hot glass studio to demonstrate fire-polishing, a process where glass is reheated in a kiln and then reshaped at the glassmaking bench.
A unique opportunity to experience both cold and hot glass techniques on the same day as the exhibition opening.
Across the weekend, watch skilled artists demonstrate traditional techniques that are becoming increasingly rare, from glass cutting and fire polishing to stained glass making, neon tube bending, Venetian-style glass bead making and bespoke sheet glass production. Meet the makers, discover the stories behind these remarkable crafts, and experience Stourbridge’s rich glassmaking heritage brought to life.
Endangered Crafts Weekend Programme
10:45am–11:45am
Neon demonstration with Nick Malyon and Peter Hoare ~ Activity Room
11:00am–1:00pm
Traditional glass cutting with Allister Malcolm ~ Glass Studio
11:00am–12:30pm
Bespoke sheet glass demonstration with Elliot Walker ~ Blowfish Glass Studio*
11:45am–12:15pm
Stained glass demonstration with Cate Watkinson ~ Activity Room
1:00pm–2:00pm
Neon demonstration ~ Activity Room
1:00pm–2:30pm
Bespoke sheet glass demonstration with Elliot Walker ~ Blowfish Glass Studio*
2:00pm–2:30pm
Venetian-style glass bead making with Holly Parr ~ Activity Room
2:00pm–3:30pm
Fire polishing with Allister Malcolm ~ Glass Studio
From 2:30pm
Have-a-Go Activity, Venetian Glass Beads ~ Activity Room
3:00pm–4:00pm
Neon demonstration ~ Activity Room
Demonstration Highlights
Traditional Glass Cutting
Watch Allister Malcolm demonstrate the precision and skill of traditional glass cutting, an endangered heritage craft recognised on the Heritage Crafts Red List.
Fire Polishing
See how glass is reheated and refined at the bench, revealing the techniques used to finish and reshape hot-worked glass.
Bespoke Sheet Glass
Watch Elliot Walker demonstrate the creation of bespoke handmade sheet glass using traditional glassblowing techniques, producing unique glass for stained glass artists. This is at Blowfish Glass Studio, see details below.
Neon Demonstrations
Discover the fascinating craft of neon tube bending with specialists Nick Malyon and Peter Hoare, whose work spans artistic commissions, museums and commercial projects.
Stained Glass
Cate Watkinson demonstrates traditional stained glass techniques, including glass cutting, leading and soldering using handmade glass.
Venetian-Style Glass Beads
Watch Holly Parr demonstrate the delicate art of creating Venetian-style glass beads using traditional lampworking techniques.
Date:
Saturday 11th July
Time:
Museum Opening times
10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Admission:
Adults: £10.00
Tickets:
Buy your ticket on arrival.
Or become a member and visit us again throughout the year!
Just opposite Stourbridge Glass Museum, Blowfish Glass Studio will host live demonstrations of Elliot Walker’s Bespoke Sheet Glass project throughout the weekend. Experience live glassblowing, view newly created sheet glass, and learn more about this innovative collaboration between hot glass and stained glass practice. Booking is essential.