National Glass Centre
Why does Wearside have such a rich glass-making tradition and how does it continue today?
By Arts Council England
Story curated by National Glass Centre
A place of excellence
National Glass Centre is a world-leading centre for artistic practice in glass, presenting exhibitions by national and international artists and inviting visitors to take part in experiences, courses, family learning activities and daily glassmaking demonstrations.
UoS (3) (2018) by National Glass CentreArts Council England
National Glass Centre is dedicated to continuing the legacy of glass making, supporting new talent through the University of Sunderland’s degree programmes and supporting the research, teaching, production and exhibition of contemporary glass as a visual arts form.
As part of their regular programme, National Glass Centre run daily hot glass demonstrations to show the making process. Watch their video following the process of making a wine glass.
NGC21 (1) (2020) by National Glass CentreArts Council England
Sunderland’s excellent shipping links and access to cheap coal and quality sand led it to become an ideal location for glass manufacture. Factories were established along the River Wear manufacturing bottles, window glass and tableware (or flint glass) to meet growing demand.
NGC21 (7) (2020) by National Glass CentreArts Council England
The town became the new centre of the glass making industry in the North East and by the mid-1800’s there were over 1000 glassmakers employed by twenty companies on the banks of the river.
NGC21 (5) (2020) by National Glass CentreArts Council England
Sunderland was a pioneering centre for the production of pressed glass. In the 1890s the introduction of steam powered presses improved quality while cutting costs, making the mid-to late 19th century the first period of true mass production for glass.
NGC21 (6) (2020) by National Glass CentreArts Council England
The story of glass in Sunderland began in 674AD when Benedict Biscop brought craftsmen from Gaul to create Britain's first stained glass windows for St. Peter’s monastery at Monkwearmouth.
NGC21 (8) (2020) by National Glass CentreArts Council England
In 1921, Ernest Jobling Purser secured the licence to make and sell Pyrex across the British Commonwealth (except Canada) for Jobling’s Glass.
NGC21 (4) (2020) by National Glass CentreArts Council England
Pyrex left an indelible mark on Sunderland - the plant employed over 3,500 people at its peak and produced every single piece of Pyrex in the UK until its closure in 2007.
UoS (5) (2022) by Ian OrwinArts Council England
In 1982, Sunderland Polytechnic (now the University of Sunderland) introduced one of the first single honours degrees in glass in Britain and has produced some of the most notable glass artists in the UK over the past forty years.
UoS (6) (2014) by Colin DavidsonArts Council England
In 2001 the University of Sunderland relocated its glass and ceramics studios and courses to National Glass Centre and in 2010 it assumed full responsibility for running the centre.
Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens (2019) by Sunderland Museum and Winter GardensArts Council England
In 2018 Sunderland Culture was formed as an independent charity and partnership between the University of Sunderland, Sunderland City Council and MAC Trust, to deliver the programme in some of the city’s most loved venues, including National Glass Centre.
UoS (4) (2013) by Colin DavidsonArts Council England
During the latter half of the 20th century the Studio Glass Movement re-established craft skills and encouraged artistic expression in glass outside of the factory environment.
UoS (7) (2013) by Ryan EdyArts Council England
Over 1300 years since glass making began, more than 230,000 people visit National Glass Centre for free each year to experience the world’s finest contemporary glass art, classes, courses and activities.
Find out more about the Centre and other Sunderland Culture venues here.
This story was curated by National Glass Centre as part of Arts Council England's Northern Stories collection.
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