Stourbridge Glass Museum’s new manager to introduce more interactive displays

Stourbridge Glass Museum (SGM) has appointed a new museum manager to oversee the development of new displays and experiences.

Alexander Goodger joins SGM from Dundee Museum of Transport, where he was manager and was instrumental in making the exhibits more ‘hands on’.

In Stourbridge, Alexander will work alongside colleagues and volunteers, including museum curator Harrison Davies, to enhance existing exhibitions by adding new interactive features.

There will also be events, such as beer and wine tasting evenings, as well as new additions to the Museum’s mysterious tunnels, including visual projections and immersive audio.

Commenting on his appointment, Alexander said: “I’m really pleased to join this expanding team at Stourbridge Glass Museum. It’s a real asset to the local Glass Quarter and I’m looking forward to growing its appeal among local residents and tourists from farther afield.

“The history of glass in the Black Country is absolutely fascinating and there are so many stories to tell. We’re going to bring these to life through new interactive displays that will ignite new interest among children and adults. Indeed, I am always looking to create exhibitions that encourage visitors to touch and engage with collections, and bring visitors closer to the heritage. Creating exhibitions that ask questions and provoke discussions is really important.

“We’re also going to be strengthening our fundraising activity so we can deliver more partnerships with charitable organisations like the Dementia Friendship Group – Me, Myself, I, which visits monthly. Ultimately, my aim is for us to become known as one of the best museums in the country.”

He added that the team was analysing visitor feedback in order to “optimise” people’s experience of the Museum in 2023.

Welcoming Alexander to SGM, Graham Knowles, chairman of the British Glass Foundation, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have Alexander in our team. His approach to visitor engagement aligns perfectly with everything Stourbridge Glass Museum stands for – giving people the chance to experience glass making and live its history through interactive exhibits. He’s full of fresh ideas and I’m certain he’ll keep visitors enthused about all things glass for years to come.

“We now have a fantastic leadership team in place, supported by amazing volunteers, and I’m really excited about what they’re going to achieve in the year ahead.”

Presently, SGM is hosting Georgia Redpath’s ‘Nature | Architecture’ exhibition, which features colourful, geometric miniature scenes. Alexander recommends making it a day out with a walk along the canal combined with a visit to the Red House Cone and then Stourbridge Glass Museum, both of which are dog friendly.

SGM has risen from eighth to third on TripAdvisor, in the ‘Things to do in Stourbridge’ category, thanks in no small part to the popular festive bauble-making weekend hosted by resident glass blower Allister Malcolm at the end of November. Almost 400 baubles were created.

Image: SGM’s new manager, Alexander Goodger.