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New Noticeboards and reviews

End of an Era: Final Exhibition Announced for the UK’s National Glass Centre

SUNDERLAND, UK — The National Glass Centre, a cornerstone of British studio glass and contemporary craft for nearly thirty years, has announced its final exhibition ahead of its permanent closure this month.

Conclusion, presented by the final cohort of MA Glass and Ceramics students from the University of Sunderland, will be the historic last exhibition to take place in the renowned venue. The showcase represents a major passing of the torch, celebrating the future of contemporary making even as the physical chapter of this vital national institution draws to a close.

Staged alongside The Graduates in the main gallery, Conclusion brings together a diverse, highly ambitious body of work from emerging international artists. Through the challenging mediums of glass and ceramics, the exhibition tackles complex themes of identity, memory, displacement, and cutting-edge material innovation.

The exhibition represents the final public event before the building officially and permanently closes at 3:00 PM on Friday 31 July 2026.

Since opening in 1998, the National Glass Centre has played a defining role in securing Britain’s place on the global studio glass stage. By providing world-class facilities and fostering academic excellence through the University of Sunderland, it has been a vital incubator for contemporary craft. Conclusion offers a final, vital look at the calibre of artists the institution has championed.

A spokesperson for the MA cohort commented:

“Exhibiting during the National Glass Centre’s final week is a profoundly bittersweet privilege. Our work represents the culmination of intense research and physical mastery, developed within a space that has inspired some of the world’s greatest glass artists. While we mourn the loss of this remarkable building, our exhibition is a testament to the enduring strength and future of the medium.”

Exhibition: Conclusion – MA Glass & Ceramics Exhibition (Running concurrently with The Graduates)

Venue: National Glass Centre, Liberty Way, Sunderland, SR6 0GL

Key Dates: Running until 31 July 2026.

Admission: Free

Final Opening Hours: The Centre will operate on reduced hours of 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM on Thursday 30 July and Friday 31 July 2026 before closing permanently to the public at 3:00 PM on Friday 31 July. (NB:The Graduates Exhibition will close at 3pm on Thursday 30th July to allow artists to uninstall work prior to closure)

Preview Event and Press: Friday 24th July 2026 1800-2000

Belonging: Between Moor and Sea – Debut Solo Exhibition

A solo exhibition of kiln-formed glass landscapes exploring what it means to find home through place.

Although best known for wearable art and landscape pendants, this exhibition marks a move towards larger kiln-formed glass artworks, creating space for wider horizons, changing weather and a deeper sense of atmosphere.

Living in Devon has felt like finding home. Inspired by Dartmoor and the Devon coastline, these landscapes capture fleeting moments of light, weather and place. Each piece is built from four layers of glass, carefully composed and kiln fused. As the layers merge, colours soften and blend, creating depth, movement and a moment held in glass.

That sense of belonging is especially significant. Raised in a military family, I moved frequently throughout childhood, making it difficult to put down roots. Even when we stayed somewhere for several years, there was always the feeling that another move might come. As an adult, relocating for work continued that pattern. Devon has been the first place where movement has gradually given way to belonging.

“We came for the sea, but fell for the moor.”

This is my debut solo exhibition, over a year in the making, accompanied by a fortnightly blog documenting the journey.

10% of all sales will be donated to Dartmoor Search & Rescue Team Ashburton in support of their vital work across Dartmoor.

Date: 28 – 31 August 2026
Time: 11 – 5pm
Place: No 10 Gallery, 10 High Street, Chagford, TQ13 8AJ

Website: www.jacqueline-seviour.co.uk
Instagram: @jacquelineseviour

Belonging: Between Moor and Sea – Debut Solo Exhibition

A solo exhibition of kiln-formed glass landscapes exploring what it means to find home through place.

Although best known for wearable art and landscape pendants, this exhibition marks a move towards larger kiln-formed glass artworks, creating space for wider horizons, changing weather and a deeper sense of atmosphere.

Living in Devon has felt like finding home. Inspired by Dartmoor and the Devon coastline, these landscapes capture fleeting moments of light, weather and place. Each piece is built from four layers of glass, carefully composed and kiln fused. As the layers merge, colours soften and blend, creating depth, movement and a moment held in glass.

That sense of belonging is especially significant. Raised in a military family, I moved frequently throughout childhood, making it difficult to put down roots. Even when we stayed somewhere for several years, there was always the feeling that another move might come. As an adult, relocating for work continued that pattern. Devon has been the first place where movement has gradually given way to belonging.

“We came for the sea, but fell for the moor.”

This is my debut solo exhibition, over a year in the making, accompanied by a fortnightly blog documenting the journey.

10% of all sales will be donated to Dartmoor Search & Rescue Team Ashburton in support of their vital work across Dartmoor.

Date: 28 – 31 August 2026
Time: 11 – 5pm
Place: No 10 Gallery, 10 High Street, Chagford, TQ13 8AJ

Website: www.jacqueline-seviour.co.uk
Instagram: @jacquelineseviour

200 kilos coloured glass rods

About 200 kilos of coloured glass rods. They are all inter compatible. Best offer to be paid to CGS. Buyer pays for postage. I have tried and failed to attach photos of the rods and of melt examples. I will email copies to any one interested.

How to engrave glass FREE taster

This taster session introduces the basic techniques of hand-engraving glass using a rotary tool such as a Dremel, engraving pen, or hanging drill. You’ll start with a safety briefing, then observe sample pieces to understand different textures and styles. With guidance, you’ll sketch or transfer a simple design onto glass.

Kiln and Drill for Sale

I have a couple of things for sale!

FOR SALE: Mint condition Skutt Firebox 8, been fired a couple of times at most.

Here’s the details:

The Firebox 8 is a side firing kiln, with the elements in all four walls for an even firing. The lid itself is a lightweight brick construction coated with refractory cement. It has a cool-touch handle. The chamber is also made from lightweight brick, which is used because it is able to expand and contract as the kiln heats and cools. It also helps reduce the overall weight of the kiln. The whole kiln is set on sturdy metal feet.
Includes: kiln shelf, 3 shelf props

£800 collect from Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire

FOR SALE – Water Fed Drill and Diamond Core Drill Bits

I am only selling as I have upgraded my set up. The Drill is well used but works well.

I am including 10 used but plenty of life, diamond core Drill bits that new are worth several hundred alone. Ranging from 10mm to 50mm. I’ll pop in a dressing stone too.

It could do with a new pump for the water feed soon, but these are easy to change over.

£700 collect from Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.

Contact Sarah on sarah@sarahbrownglass.co.uk or give me a message: 07920574358

Pictures of both are in the attachment

Just Glass Seminar – The Glass Journey and Inspiration – Saturday 26th September

Five internationally renowned speakers talk about their journeys and inspiration, covering multiple kiln-formed glass techniques and more…

Speakers: Maria Zulueta, Ian Chadwick, Sally Fawkes and Richard Jackson, Julie Light, and Michael Bullen.

Date of Event is Saturday 26th September 

Glass is never just a destination but is a constant journey of inspiration and learning. Presentations from our internationally renowned speakers about their glass art journey to date will be a source of inspiration to attendees and a unique chance to ask them questions directly. Their work has won many awards and encompasses a wide range of glass-making techniques such as pate de verre, stained glass, fusing and casting; and brings in their other specialisms and interests. We are excited to hear more in our Just Glass Society ninth biennial seminar.

Tickets will be on sale via Eventbrite link,  from 28th June onwards. The Eventbrite link can also be accessed via the Just Glass website: https://www.just-glass.co.uk/

Entry from 10.00am, with the seminar beginning at 10.30am prompt. Tea and coffee will be available and you may bring your lunch to eat at the venue, during a one hour break when you can chat with the speakers and fellow attendees. There will be time for a panel discussion and questions before the seminar closes at 4.30pm.

Venue: The Art Workers’ Guild, 6 Queen Square, London WC1N 3AT

0.8 FTE Glass (and Mosaic) Technician role at WM College London

WM College is seeking a skilled, proactive, and organised Glass and Mosaic Technician to support the delivery of new courses. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a vibrant adult learning environment, supporting a range of glass and mosaic courses.

This role is central to ensuring that our workshops are safe, well-equipped, and efficiently run, enabling high-quality teaching and a positive learning experience for all students.

About the role
You will provide high-quality technical support in the glass and mosaic workshop, ensuring the student work is fired and equipment, and materials are consistently prepared, maintained, and operated safely.

A key aspect of the role is managing the kilns, including scheduling firings and ensuring safe use at all times.

You will also play a vital role in maintaining high standards of health and safety, ensuring that equipment, materials, and working practices comply with relevant regulations.

Working closely with tutors, you will contribute to a well-coordinated and responsive technical service that supports both teaching and learning.

This is a permanent, part-time role (0.8 FTE – 4 days per week). Flexibility is required, including some evening and weekend work to support classes, exhibitions, and College events.

Key responsibilities
Prepare and maintain studios, equipment, and materials for teaching sessions.
Manage kiln operations, including scheduling and monitoring firings
Ensure safe working environments and uphold Health & Safety compliance.
Support tutors and learners in the safe and effective use of tools, materials, and equipment.
Manage stock control, including ordering and storage of materials within budget.
Maintain clear systems for inventory and workshop organisation
Assist with the installation and presentation of exhibitions and College events.

About you
You will be a practical, reliable, and highly organised technician with a strong understanding of glass processes. You will enjoy working collaboratively and take pride in creating safe, efficient, and inspiring creative environments.

Essential requirements
Experience working with glass making equipment and kilns
Sound understanding of Health & Safety in a workshop environment
Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage resources effectively
Confident communication and teamworking skills
Competent IT skills (including Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel)

If you are a proactive technician who enjoys supporting creative practice and enabling others to succeed, we would love to hear from you.

Interviews are scheduled for 16th July 2026.
Further Details

See the PDF below for a Full Job Description

CGS Complaints Procedure

Complaints Policy — The Contemporary Glass Society

Approved by Trustees: June 2026
Review Date: January 2027

  1. Purpose

The Contemporary Glass Society is committed to providing a high standard of service. We welcome feedback and take complaints seriously as an opportunity to improve our services.

This policy applies to all complaints about our activities and services, including complaints about how we collect, use, store or otherwise process personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025.

  1. Who Can Make a Complaint?

Anyone who uses our services, volunteers with us, supports us, or is affected by our work may make a complaint.

Complaints may be made by email, telephone, in writing or verbally.

  1. How to Make a Complaint

Informal Resolution

Where possible, we encourage concerns to be raised informally in the first instance.

Administrator:
Helen Slater Stokes
Telephone: +44 (0)1379 741120
Email: admin@cgs.org.uk

Formal Complaint

If the matter cannot be resolved informally, or you wish to make a formal complaint, please contact:

Chair of Trustees
Email: chair@cgs.org.uk

or write to:

29 Heron Drive
Brackley
Northamptonshire
NN13 6QE

Please provide as much information as possible so that we can investigate your complaint fully.

  1. How We Will Handle Your Complaint

We will:

  • acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 5 working days.
  • investigate your complaint fairly and impartially.
  • keep you informed if our investigation is likely to take longer than expected.
  • normally provide a full written response within 20 working days.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may request that the Board of Trustees reviews the matter. The Board’s decision will normally represent the Society’s final internal response.

  1. Confidentiality

Complaints will be handled confidentially and shared only with those who need the information to investigate and resolve the matter. Personal information will be processed in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.

  1. If You Remain Dissatisfied

If your complaint concerns the Society’s handling of your personal data and you remain dissatisfied after our internal complaints process has been completed, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

If your complaint concerns the governance or management of the charity, you may also contact the Charity Commission where appropriate.

  1. Record Keeping

We keep a record of all formal complaints, together with the outcome and any actions taken. Complaint records are stored securely, retained in accordance with our data retention procedures and reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

International Festival of Glass CGS Exhibition

International Festival of Glass 2026
The CGS Exhibition

‘A Cabinet of Curiosities’

Call for Entries is Open!

The Contemporary Glass Society (CGS) is delighted to announce that we will be holding an exhibition at The International Festival of Glass this year at The World of Glass, St Helens.

The theme is “A Cabinet of Curiosities”, and this is an open call to all CGS members!

Start thinking of what you could make to be a part of our Cabinet of Curiosities!

We invite you to embrace curiosity, experimentation, process-led exploration, and storytelling—whether entirely factual or imaginatively fictional—within your glass pieces. The work will be available for sale, and for the first time in our IFOG exhibitions, we will be able to display 3D objects as well as 2D works!

This exhibition is a sequel to our much-loved Postcard Exhibitions, previously held in Stourbridge. With the new location and format, we are thrilled to open this popular opportunity to everyone at any stage of their making and using any glass technique.

Please note: Unlike previous years, this will be a selected show due to limitations on the number of works we can display. But be assured that we are keen to show work from makers at all stages of their glassmaking career and in a wide range of techniques.

Criteria for Selection
• You must be a member of the Contemporary Glass Society.
• Your work should fit the theme of the exhibition- Be curious, experimental, and intriguing.
• The work must be completed, with high-quality final photos for promotion and the accompanying online exhibition.
• A wide range of approaches and techniques is encouraged and will form part of the selection criteria.
• Pieces should retail within one of the following price categories- £85, £150, £200, £300, £400, or £500.
• The work must be for sale. This is a fundraising event:
o 50% of the sale price goes to the artist (or you may kindly donate this to CGS)
o 20% + VAT goes to The World of Glass
o The remaining amount is a donation towards CGS events, including our 30th Anniversary celebrations next year.
• Size limits:
o Depth no greater than 10cm
o Height and width no larger than 20cm x 10cm (these can be used in either orientation)
• Limited editions are welcome—only one piece is needed for the show, with the option for additional commissions once purchased.
• The work must be delivered between specific dates in July/August to Sarah Brown at her studio. Exact details will be confirmed once your spot is secured.

• Application fee: £15

Exhibition and Sale
• We will hold a launch event at The Festival for the sale of the pieces (time TBC), a fun way to meet other artists and select your favourites.
• Pieces will be affordable, and unsold works will be made available online after the show, giving those who cannot attend a chance to purchase them.
• There will be a Best in Show prize and a People’s Prize, announced at the end of the exhibition.
Images and Documentation
We would love to receive:
• Videos/photos of you making the work.
• High-quality images on a clear background of the final pieces
Have fun with your pieces! Think outside the box (within the size limits) and make something exciting to display alongside a wide range of artists.

Key Dates
• Open Call Launched: April 2026
• Applications Close: 21st June
• Delivery of Work: July/ August 2026 (date to be confirmed)
• Launch Event: During IFOG
• Exhibition Dates: 27th August – 31st October
• Launch Event: During IFOG – time TBC
• Sold/ Unsold Artwork sent: Sold artwork will go to the purchaser in November. Unsold Artwork will need collection arranged at a date TBC.

APPLICATION FORM

MORE INFO ABOUT IFOG 2026