13 - Work of a pioneer comes to Stourbridge

Archived news release from 2008

 

The Studio Pioneer exhibition will showcase work of the late Michael Harris, who studied glass design at Stourbridge College before becoming a leading figure in the international studio glass movement. 

 

Renowned for founding both Mdina Glass in Malta and Isle of Wight Studio Glass, Harris’ work will be on display at the Dudley Council museum from Saturday 16 August until January next year.

 

Timothy Harris will give free demonstrations of his father’s techniques in the museum’s hot glass studio as part of a celebratory event on Saturday 23 August. Mark Hill, who is an author and expert on design and collectables, will also give a special lecture entitled Michael Harris: A Journey in Glass. Tickets for the talk, which will be followed by wine and canapés, cost £10 and pre-booking is recommended.

 

 

“Michael Harris was the very first British studio glassmaker and it is a great honour to have such a colourful display of his work in one of our museums.

 

“The Studio Pioneer exhibition features some stunning glass, including some unique pieces on loan from his family.  I’m sure visitors will be queuing up to see the work for themselves.”

 

The exhibition is part of the International Festival of Glass, which runs from Friday 22 to Monday 25 August throughout the Glass Quarter in Stourbridge.

 

Broadfield House Glass Museum, Compton Drive, Kingswinford, is open Tuesday to Sunday from 12noon to 4pm and admission is free.  The museum will have extended opening hours, 10am – 4pm, for the duration of the International Festival of Glass.

 

For more information call Broadfield House Glass Museum on 01384 812745 or visit www.glassmuseum.org.uk. For more information on the International Festival of Glass visit www.ifg.org.uk