The Friends of Broadfield House Glass Museum

Late in 1993 a group of glass enthusiasts decided to form a Friends organisation for the Museum. The first meeting was held at Dudley Art Gallery in March 1994, and The Friends were delighted and honoured that Mary Boydell, from Sotheby's in Ireland, gave the inaugural lecture. At present there are more than 300 members throughout the world and 18 corporate members. Members' interests range from those interested in the local history to avid glass collectors and researchers.

 

The Friends support the work of the Museum through a range of activities. One of the invaluable methods of support is through The Friends' Purchase Fund. The Museum lost its acquisitions budget a few years ago due to local government cuts and purchases for the collection are now made thanks to The Friends, grants from other bodies and donations. To date the Friends have raised over £30,000 to help with acquisitions and match-funding for grant applications.

Other activities organised by The Friends, called the Facets programme, include an annual series of lectures on glass topics by guest speakers, visits to glass factories and studios, talks on major exhibitions at the Museum, providing refreshment facilities at events, and a Christmas party. These events provide opportunities for fund-raising, learning and, of course, enjoyment.

 

 

Come and be transported to colonial Virginia, where the first glasshouse was built on American soil 400 years ago.  Nick Baker is a well-known local historian, Secretary of the Amblecote History Society and Chairman of the International Festival of Glass Heritage Group.

 

 

 

The Wombourne Wodehouse is a fascinating old building with beautiful grounds and gardens, situated right on the edge of the Black Country, north of Himey and west of Sedgley. The house has been in the hands of the same family for several centuries and contains many treasures.  These include sets of 18th century drinking glasses, which may have been in the house ever since they were made.    

 

The Wodehouse is not normally open to the public, so members should seize the opportunity to come on this special guided tour.  Numbers are limited to 45, and the cost includes admission to the house and guided tour, followed by tea and cake.  Please note that stiletto heels are not allowed in the house. Price £8.50 per person.

 

 

 

From their foundation in 1829 under the name of Webb & Richardson until their demise in the mid-1920s, Richardsons were innovators and pioneers of the art, techniques and technology created, practised and perfected in the 19th century Stourbridge glass industry.

 

For almost a century there emerged from the London House, their Wordsley Flint Glass Works, products which attracted worldwide acclaim.  From their entries at exhibitions in Manchester in 1845, the old Bingley Hall, Birmingham in 1849, The Great Exhibition at The Crystal Palace, Hyde Park, London in 1851, the Paris Exhibition in 1878 right up to The British Industries Fair in 1922, and at many more besides, Richardsons attracted a display case full of prizes.  Their successes and setbacks represented an industry which made Stourbridge synonymous with glass, until the setbacks saw off the first big name in Stourbridge glass and Richardsons were swallowed up by Thomas Webb & Sons.

 

 

Places are limited and must be pre-booked - please contact the Events Secretary (see below) to book your tickets for all of the above events. For late bookings, please contact the Museum.  Tickets cost £5 per person for each event unless stated otherwise.

 

 

To join today, print out the Membership Form at the bottom of the page. Please remember to tick the Gift Aid box if you are eligible. Send the form to the Membership Secretary, enclosing your cheque for the right amount, made payable to The Friends of Broadfield House.

Barbara Beadman, Chairman, The Friends of Broadfield House Glass Museum, c/o Plowden & Thompson, Dial Glassworks, Stewkins, Amblecote, Stourbridge, DY8 4YN, tel: 01384 393398.

 

The Hon. Membership Secretaries, The Friends of Broadfield House Glass Museum, c/o Broadfield House Glass Museum, Compton Drive, Kingswinford, West Midlands, DY6 9NS, tel: 01384 812745.

Cameo Editor, The Friends of Broadfield House Glass Museum, c/o Broadfield House Glass Museum, Compton Drive, Kingswinford, West Midlands, DY6 9NS, tel: 01384 812745.

 

Events Secretary, The Friends of Broadfield House Glass Museum, tel: 01527 60274.