Take part in IFOG 2026

As many of you know, the 2026 International Festival of Glass (IFOG) will be taking place in St Helens in Northwest England over the August Bank Holiday weekend (27-31 August), run by the Glass Art Society (GAS) for the first time. Here are more details about some of the glass-related activities that will be on offer as part of this great event, with the masterclass programme just announced, an exciting Contemporary Glass Society (CGS) members’ exhibition, and a Community Mosaic for visitors to contribute to over the long weekend.

CGS A Cabinet of Curiosities exhibition

The CGS IFOG exhibition will be held at The World of Glass under the theme ‘A Cabinet of Curiosities’, which replaces our regular ‘postcards’ exhibition. Members will be invited to submit works of up to 10cm deep by 10cm by 20cm, giving scope for ‘flat’ as well as three-dimensional work this time. Whether you are just starting out with glass or very experienced, you are welcome to submit your work, using any glass technique. As space is limited, you will need to apply for a place.

As CGS Chair, Sarah Brown, notes, “Historically, Cabinets of Curiosities (or Wunderkammer) emerged in Europe during the sixteenth century as rooms or cabinets filled with unusual and fascinating objects collected from the natural world, art, science and exploration. These displays were designed to inspire wonder, spark conversation and celebrate the diversity of the world. We encourage artists to draw upon this rich tradition and their own studio collections, helping to fill our Cabinet of Curiosities with intriguing, playful and thought-provoking glass works.”

Applications are not open yet but start thinking of what you could make and look out for more details of how to apply in the CGS member email newsletters in the coming weeks.

Sign up for masterclasses

Masterclasses at IFOG will be led by experienced tutors, with techniques available ranging from fusing to flamework, and pate de verre to glass blowing. There will also be some suitable for complete beginners.

Already on masterclass lineup are tutors such as Opal Seabrook, who will be

sharing her distinctive fusing style, Brenda Page, who will help students incorporate

images into glass art, and Richard Wheater, who will be teaching neon

glass art. More information can be found on the GAS website now (www.glassart.org/ifog/), including costs, locations, class descriptions, and information on each tutor.

Community Mosaic

Another new aspect of this year’s event is a community glass mosaic project. Led by American glass artist Carrie Strope, the design is being developed in collaboration with local schools and groups. Visitors to IFOG will have a chance to contribute by laying individual pieces and the finished work will be a permanent addition to The World of Glass collection.

Alongside the significant British Glass Biennale exhibition, new this year is that jewellery will be included with beads as part of the International Bead and Jewellery Biennale, plus there will be an international exhibition for GAS members. Applications for these exhibitions have now closed. However, visitors to IFOG will be able to see hundreds of works of contemporary glass from makers in the UK and beyond showcased at The World of Glass and on display until the end of October.

Several organisations are providing awards for artists featured in the exhibitions, including the Guild of Glass Engravers, the British Society of Master Glass Painters, The Worshipful Company of Glaziers, the Bullseye Living Edge Award, The Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers, Warm Glass UK, and more.

There will be demonstrations, presentations, and a range of activities suitable for all ages. Demonstrations will be provided by London Glassblowing, Elliot Walker, and Mattia Salvadore, with more to be announced in due course.

Talks will cover glass art and the importance of glass to the local area. Local St Helens organisations, such as Buzz Hub, Heart of Glass, and the local libraries, are helping to develop ideas and plans. In addition, if you have ideas about a glassy activity or creative opportunity that can be part of the Festival, GAS is keen to hear from you!

Image: Yukiko Sugano demonstrating her flameworking technique at IFOG 2024.