For hundreds of years, Stourbridge has been famous all over the world for its beautiful glass. Skilled glassmakers lived and worked in the area, creating bowls, vases, ornaments, and even huge decorative pieces. The tall, cone-shaped buildings you may have seen around Stourbridge are called glass cones, and they were once very important places where glass was melted and shaped.

In this topic, we will explore how glass was made, what life was like for the people who worked in the glass factories, and why Stourbridge became such an important place for glassmaking. We’ll also look at some stunning examples of Stourbridge glass and find out how the industry has changed over time. By the end, you’ll understand why this local craft is such a special part of our history.

Red House Glass Cone Trip

On 14th November, we’re going on a fantastic trip to the Red House Glass Cone and the Stourbridge Glass Museum! We’ll begin our adventure with a walk along the Crystal Mile beside the canal, following the same path that glassworkers used many years ago. As we walk, we’ll spot old workshops, learn about the famous glassmaking history of Stourbridge, and imagine the furnaces glowing brightly in the past.

When we reach the Red House Glass Cone, we’ll step inside one of the last remaining glass cones in the country and find out how glass was melted, blown, and shaped. After that, we’ll explore the Stourbridge Glass Museum, where we’ll see amazing pieces of crystal and discover the stories behind them.

And who knows—if we’re really lucky, we might even meet Elliot Walker or Madeleine Hughes, the celebrity glassmakers from the Netflix show Blown Away! It’s going to be an exciting journey into our local history, and we can’t wait to explore it together!

We are looking for as many volunteers as possible to join us on our walk to the museums.  If you are able to help us on 14th November please let Miss Lillis know via Class Dojo.