Glass Trails: A visit to Stourbridge Glass Museum

What makes Stourbridge so special? Its glass! During the industrial revolution this area achieved global fame for its iconic glass production. Now we’re heading into the heart of the history to explore Stourbridge Canal and glass quarter.

Join Dr Simon Briercliffe for an exciting guided visit to the Glass Museum and learn about how the glass industry shaped Stourbridge in the past.

These visits are designed to tie in with our Glass Trails guided heritage walks, which can be booked separately here.

Join us on a guided heritage visit and you’ll get the chance to:

• Explore the Stourbridge Glass Museum

• Learn about the vibrant history of industrial Stourbridge from historian Simon Briercliffe

• Take a walk through the Glass Quarter and see the remains of past industry in the landscape (optional)

• Ask questions!

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YOUR HOST

Dr Simon Briercliffe (MA) is a historian (Black Country Living Museum) and Doctorial Researcher at the University of Birmingham. Simon specialises in the history of the Black Country, and has worked in museums and heritage. Alongside his research, Simon is an avid public speaker and reader, and even runs a local history blog!

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ADDITIONAL INFO

Who can join?

Anyone aged 12+ can join the visit (children must be accompanied by an adult).

When is this event happening?

There will be two sessions to choose from, one on Sunday 8th May at 12:00pm and another on Tuesday 31st May at 1:00pm.

Please choose one session to attend.

Where is this event happening?

This event will take place at the Stourbridge Glass Museum. Once everyone has arrived at the museum, we’ll begin with the visit.

How do I join the optional Glass Trails Walk?

The museum visit is designed to tie in with a guided heritage walk through the glass quarter. If you’d like to join the walk, places can be booked separately here. Remember to book the corresponding time slot!

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ABOUT MADE IN SMETHWICK

Made in Smethwick is an exciting season of events and activities taking place in and around Smethwick, highlighting the rich global history of local area.

Focusing on stories relating to two former industrial sites – Chance Brothers Glassworks and Soho Foundry and Mint – the events are a chance for people to explore the town’s industrial heritage, discover the history of their neighbourhood, and share their own ideas about what it’s like to live, work, and grow up in the area.

VIEW THE FULL PROGRAMME

This isn’t the only event! Check out the full programme here.

THANKS TO…

This project has been funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.

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HAVE YOUR SAY: HOW SHOULD OUR OLD INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS BE USED?

Chance Heritage Trust is on a mission to raise the cultural profile of Smethwick’s industrial heritage, and bring former industrial buildings – like the iconic Chance Glassworks – back into use within the community.

Now, with help from the Community Renewal Fund, Chance Heritage Trust is starting to develop plans for the Chance Glassworks site.

This survey is part of a wider programme of community consultation, which will help to shape these plans.

How would you like to see these buildings used? And, apart from living and working spaces, what kind of opportunities and facilities should they contain for community use?

Fill out this short survey to have your say.