Over the years the Museum has built up an important reference library of glass books and periodicals that are available to researchers. The Museum owns an extensive collection of auction house catalogues, publications by glass societies' and trade journals. Videos and films of glassmaking are also collected.
Where is the Glass Library
The Glass Library is housed at Himley Hall, although a small number of books are kept at Broadfield House. There is a copy of almost every book on glass published in this country, as well as many foreign publications.
Robert Charleston Library
The entire library of Robert Charleston, former Head of Glass & Ceramics at the Victoria & Albert Museum and renowned glass expert who died in 1994, was purchased by the Museum with assistance from the Dudley MBC Libraries Department in 1996. The Charleston library includes approximately 700 books as well as his own collection of papers, articles and archival material.
Library visits and book requests must be booked in advance. The Glass Library is reference only therefore readers must be able to visit Himley Hall or Broadfield House in order to view the books. The glass library at Himley Hall is not open to the general public. View is by appointment only.
Photocopying facilities are available (a small charge per sheet applies).
Contact Us
If you would like to use the Glass Library please contact the Glass Museum on 01384 812745 to make an appointment.
Please do not contact Himley Hall regarding the Glass Library.
Further information may be available from Dudley Library and Local History Service
Gift Shop
If you are interested in buying books about glass, please visit the book lists on our Gift Shop pages as there is a wide selection of publications available.
