Mayor shares in glassmakers’ memories

The open day on Sunday 21 May included lathe demonstrations, hard hat tours of the cone, portrait photographs, a chance to leave a handprint and lots of opportunities to share memories and stories.

Photos and videos were on display to spark conversations and experts from the museum were there to draw out stories. There was also the opportunity to learn about volunteering and how glassmakers could share their history with new audiences.

Local artist Elliot Walker, who has a studio at the cone, led a demonstration which encouraged the old masters to show how their work was done.

The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Andrea Goddard, said:

It was a real privilege to take part in the day and meet some of the former glassmakers who have helped to maintain Stourbridge’s status as a key player in the glass making industry.

While the glass industry locally has evolved over the years from large scale factories to a greater focus on bespoke and studio glass, it's still essential that we remember the skills of the glass makers of old who were specialists in such things as cut, etched and moulded glass.

It was lovely to meet the glass makers, staff from the museum service and volunteers who gave their time to help make this day happen.

The Stourbridge glass industry was born from the quality and abundance of local raw materials - coal and fireclay – and its success was due to the skill, knowledge, and expertise of the glassmakers. Stuarts played a huge part in this industry and the day was about sharing memories, stories and recording their legacy.

 The reminiscence day is part of an ongoing series of events across the glass quarter to document the history of the area and the experiences of local glass makers.