Stourbridge has been a significant centre for glass making since the early 17th century, renowned for its high-quality lead crystal and innovative techniques.  Not only was it the lifeblood of the community, but it was also a substantial contributor to Britain's manufacturing strength and national wealth.

It was also towards the end of the 17th century that a new structure appeared in the area, the distinctive cone shaped glasshouse that would dominate the landscape. Cones were the next step in glass making technology.  The new design transformed the glasshouse into a giant chimney. It still sheltered the furnace and workers, but it also sucked air through the furnaces. The flow of air increased the temperature. The best surviving example is the Red House Glass Cone in Wordsley.

The industry grew and evolved for the next 275 years and glass from Wordsley, Amblecote and Brierley Hill is recognised as amongst the finest in the world and has been used countless times as gifts for royalty and visiting Dignitaries. Its golden age was the Victorian period when firms introduced a dazzling array of cameo, coloured glass and crystal that equalled the best in the world.

In the decades following World War Two, the fortunes of the glass industry slowly declined. Failure to modernise, foreign competition and changing tastes all contributed.

We will have refreshments on arrival and then we will split into 2 groups for guided tours of the glass tunnels and the museum.  

Following  our tours there will be a buffet lunch and then a talk on the history of glass making in the area.

There will be time to have a look around the museum independently before we depart for home.

The cost for this trip is £65.00 and includes includes 2 tours, talk, refreshments on arrival, buffet lunch and time to observe the glass studio in operation & transport We will leave Holmes Chapel at 9:00am.  We expect to be back in Holmes Chapel for approx. 6:00pm.