Visit Smethwick Heritage Centre

The Chance Brothers’ Glassworks are a key part of the heritage of Smethwick, and their work during the Industrial Revolution had impact around the globe.

Today, Smethwick Heritage Centre is home to the Chance glass collection, full of inspiring artefacts that encapsulate the important industrial history of the town. And now, you can come and see this collection for yourself!

This is a rare opportunity to see a collection that isn’t usually available to the public, and to visit the heritage centre alongside historian Dr Simon Briercliffe. Learn about the vibrant history of Smethwick and enjoy a day out with friends and family.

Join one of our guided visits and you’ll get the chance to:

• Explore the Smethwick Heritage Centre

• View the centre’s Chance glass collection, which is rarely shown to the public

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

• 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 Saturday 28th May and another on Tuesday 7th June. Both sessions will begin at 11:00am.

Please choose one session to attend.

Where is this event happening?

This event will take place at the Smethwick Heritage Centre. Once everyone has arrived at the centre, we’ll begin with the visit.

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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.