Stourbridge Glass Museum launches A Celebration of Glass 2026

A retrospective featuring the glass work of Keith Cummings, an Endangered Crafts exhibition and live glassmaking demonstrations headline a summer showcase of glass heritage and contemporary practice at Stourbridge Glass Museum this August.

A Celebration of Glass 2026 is a collaborative initiative taking place across the Stourbridge Glass Quarter. At the heart of the museum’s programme is ‘Some Old, Some New’, a major exhibition celebrating the work of internationally renowned glass artist Keith Cummings. Opening on 22 August 2026 and running until 22 February 2027, the exhibition brings together historic pieces alongside previously unseen works, offering visitors a rare chance to trace the breadth and evolution of Cummings’ distinguished career.

The opening weekend will include a Stourbridge Glass Museum members-only private view on Friday 21 August, followed by an artist talk by Keith Cummings on Saturday 22 August.

Running alongside until 7 November 2026, the Endangered Crafts exhibition, supported by Heritage Crafts and the Contemporary Glass Society, turns a spotlight on some of Britain’s most vulnerable traditional crafts and the skilled makers working to keep them alive.

Families and visitors of all ages can also watch live glassmaking demonstrations as part of the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers’ National Doodle Competition. On Saturday 22 August, acclaimed glassmaker Allister Malcolm and his team will bring the winning designs to life, transforming children’s drawings into finished glass artworks in front of a public audience.

The programme is completed by a recycled glass and materials workshop led by artist Terri Malcolm, exploring sustainable approaches to contemporary making.

Stourbridge Glass Museum is part of the historic Glass Quarter and is working in partnership with the Red House Glass Cone, Ruskin Glass Centre, Blowfish Glass Gallery and the General Office Gallery to draw visitors across the area into its rich glassmaking story. Together, the venues will offer exhibitions, a craft market, demonstrations, theatre performances, workshops and open studios throughout the August weekend.

Museum Director Alexander Goodger said: “We are reviving a glass festival with local partners. A Celebration of Glass is a chance to show what makes this place genuinely special: the heritage, yes, but also the creativity that’s very much alive here now. From legendary makers to emerging artists and children’s competition winners, the programme reflects the full range of talent and craft that defines the Glass Quarter. We are showcasing what makes us the most award-winning museum in the Midlands. Don’t miss all the beautiful art.”

For further information, exhibition details and opening times, visit https://www.stourbridgeglassmuseum.org.uk/events/

Stourbridge Glass Museum is at High Street, Wordsley, Stourbridge DY8 4FB.

Image: Detail of kiln-formed glass work by Keith Cummings. Photo: Simon Bruntnell.