Open letter in support of Glassworks: Sunderland

Sarah Brown, Chair of the Contemporary Glass Society (CGS), explains why CGS is supporting the new facility for glassmaking in Sunderland.

You may be aware of the current situation for glassmaking in Sunderland, and the planned closure of the National Glass Centre (NGC), which has been heavily disputed since it was announced.

Glassmaking has been in Sunderland for over 1350 years and, as an important part of culture in the Northeast of England, we believe that there should be the facilities for this key part of the area’s heritage to continue. Many, many well-known artists and glassmakers have studied, learned and practised their craft here for so many years, and a facility needs to be available for this to continue in the years ahead.

We are supporting this open letter (see link below) for Glassworks: Sunderland, as, although none of the 204 signatories agrees with the closure of NGC, it is important that the possibility of glassmaking continuing in Sunderland is supported.

This new facility has the opportunity to secure considerable funding, which would enable glassmaking to continue in the near future. With the planned closure of the NGC moving ever nearer, in the face of such uncertainty, the artists, makers and educators in Sunderland need the support to continue their practice going forward, and a viable option has been proposed.

Sarah Brown, CGS Chair

Open Letter in Support of Glassworks Sunderland_4978401744719160154