CGS Cabinet of Curiosities – buy your favourite now!

Close-up from above of hands holding either side of a wooden box holding a clear glass cast butterfly, fruit and fish with gold embellishments. Item by Effie Burns and titled "land sea sky".

Exhibitions | 09-09-2026

CGS Cabinet of Curiosities – buy your favourite now!

The Contemporary Glass Society’s (CGS) Cabinet of Curiosities exhibition, which launched at the August 2026 International Festival of Glass (IFoG) event, has been extremely well received.

The show continues at The World of Glass in St Helens until 31 October 2026, giving visitors an extended opportunity to experience this unique celebration of contemporary glass. In addition, for those who cannot visit in person, CGS has a showcase of all the exhibits online, which you can view and purchase here.

Prices range from £85 to £500, making it an ideal opportunity for both first-time buyers and established collectors to acquire original glass art. Proceeds from sales support the exhibiting artists, The World of Glass, and CGS’s ongoing programme of exhibitions, education and events, including celebrations marking our 30th anniversary in 2027. Several pieces have sold already, so make sure you have a look soon.

You can also vote for your favourite to win the People’s Choice Prize (via the same link) up to 1 November. This £250 prize is sponsored by Mark Holford.

The other prize winners in the Cabinet of Curiosities exhibition have already been announced and are listed below.

Best in Show – sponsored by Vessel Gallery (£300 Prize): Laura Quinn with ‘Unfurl’.

A blown glass spring in mirror glass by Laura Quinn called Unfurl. — ‘Unfurl’ by Laura Quinn is made using lampworking techniques with the inner cavity silvered and sealed. Photo: Laura Quinn.

Most Innovative Prize – sponsored by Mark Holford (£150 Prize): Ian Chadwick with ‘GlAsS Momento Mori’.

A kiln-formed black glass coffin and articulated white glass skeleton both standing upright with the lid balanced to the side to show the skeleton standing inside. By Ian Chadwick and called GlAsS Momento Mori. — ‘GlAsS Momento Mori’ by Ian Chadwick features kiln-formed glass and cold working, creating an articulated skeleton. Photo: Ian Chadwick.

Patron’s Choice – sponsored by Mark Holford (£50 Prize): Becky Harris-Cowley with ‘Glass Curiosities’.

Rectangular clear glass that has been sandblasted to create the effects of a mini cabinet of curiosities featuring items from nature and a skull and chess piece in square and rectangular sections as though on shelves. Called 'Glass Curiosities' by Becky Harris-Cowley. — ‘Glass Curiosities’ by Becky Harris-Cowley is a mini cabinet of curiosities formed through sandblasting. Photo: Becky Harris-Cowley.

Highly Commended – sponsored by Mark Holford (£50 Prizes):

Claire Williamson – ‘My 80s curio collection’

Dovile Grigaliunaite – ‘Adaptive Assemblage X’

Lyndsey Gates – ‘Aspicio’

Sarah Smith – ‘A Poppet Self-portrait’.

Congratulations to all our participating artists for making this such a wonderful display, and a big thank you to the sponsors for supporting CGS once more.

The World of Glass is at Chalong Way E, St Helens, WA10 1BX.

Main image: ‘Land Sea Sky’ by Effie Burns. Photo: Ceri Oakes.

09-09-2026