In 1980 the collections of glass numbered about 2,000 items. Today that number has risen to over 8,000, including items on long-term loan. The majority of the glass collection is secured at the Museum's stores at Himley Hall and not open to the public. View is by appointment only by telephoning Broadfield House Glass Museum on 01384 812745.
It is hoped that eventually most of the collection will be available to view on line, but this is a long-term project. In the meantime, one of the largest paperweight exhibitions held at the Museum was photographed by Brian Slater of Just Glass and most of the Museum's paperweight collection can be viewed by clicking this link http://www.justglass.co.uk/Gallery/BDH/index.htm.
Glass from the district forms the majority of objects in the collection, dating from the 19th and 20th centuries, but there are also important groups of British glass from other periods. The Parkington Bequest, for example, filled a major gap with its stunning 18th century pieces. Loans from private individuals, glass companies and other institutions form a sizeable amount of the collections, and often comprise of glass which is under-represented in the Museum's own holdings. The Keatley Trust is one example, specialising in loans of 20th century material to museums.
Acquisitions
Although the Museum lost its annual purchase fund a few years ago, due to local government cuts, it is still able to buy important items using monies from other sources. Since 1986 Broadfield has benefited by generous sponsorship from the engineering group, Hulbert of Dudley via their supportive Managing Director Graham Knowles. Since their founding in 1994, the Friends of Broadfield House Glass Museum have raised over £30,000 towards assistance with purchases, and capital grants from Dudley Council have allowed the Museum to acquire expensive items of cameo and engraved glass with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the National Art Collections Fund.
Long-term Loans
The Museum has a number of significant collections on long-term loan, as well as important individual items. These include a large collection of glass walking sticks, and the largest collection in the UK of imported Carnival Glass.
