Invitation to CGS Glass in Wales Symposium

The Contemporary Glass Society (CGS) invites members and non-members to a Glass in Wales symposium, to be held at Aberystwyth Arts Centre on Saturday 13 September 2025 (09.30 – 17.30).

The symposium offers glass makers and others interested in glass the opportunity to get together, hear speakers, network and share ideas and information. In addition, you are welcome to bring a piece of glass work to display and discuss in a roundtable conversation.

Members of CGS and the British Society of Master Glass Painters (BSMGP), plus students, pay a reduced rate to attend.

Outline Programme:

09.30   Registration (coffees available in Arts Centre Café)

10.00   Welcome by CGS /BSMGP

10.30   Speaker and Q&A: ‘Unearthing Connection’. Linda Norris will talk about her recent work (some of which is currently on show in Aberystwyth Arts Centre) using glass and glaze to investigate aspects of archaeology and illuminate overlooked craft in society.

11.30   Coffee break (Arts Centre Café)

12.00   Pecha Kucha (members of CGS and BSMGP talk about an aspect of their practice. Each presentation is 7 minutes and participants will show 10 images of their work). If you would like to apply to speak at the Pecha Kucha, please apply here.

13.00    Lunch (Arts Centre Café or bring a packed lunch)

14.00   Speaker and Q&A: Verity Pulford will talk about recent developments in her practice.

15.00   Speaker and Q&A: ‘Staying Positive and Making Things Happen’. Catrin Jones will talk about the background and process of making glass artworks for the public realm, remaining adaptable, the challenges involved in working to a brief, a budget and to a deadline, culminating in her most recent project for ‘The Leri’, a new cancer unit for Bronglais hospital, Aberystwyth.

16.00   Tea and Roundtable discussion

17.00    Summary

17.30    Optional tour to see The Leri, Catrin’s commission at Bronglais Hospital

18.15    Optional sea swim

19.00   Optional Evening Meal at Medina Café.

Cost of symposium: £35 for members of CGS and BSMGP (non-members £40 and students £25).

Lunch and refreshments will be available to purchase from the Arts Centre Café. Parking in the Arts Centre car park is free at weekends.

Aberystwyth Arts Centre is at Aberystwyth University, Penglais campus, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DE.

If required, overnight accommodation on site can be arranged from £40pp at The Bunkhouse.

Register and pay to attend the symposium on Eventbrite via this link.

Image: Pâte-de-verre glass work ‘Dark Glimmers’, by Verity Pulford, who is one of the speakers.