10 - Innovation and Inspiration: The Richardson Bequest

A colourful sparkling collection of glass by Richardson’s of Wordsley comes under the spotlight in the latest exhibition to open at Broadfield House Glass Museum, Kingswinford.

 

The collection, consisting of around 300 pieces of coloured, cut, etched and engraved glass, was bequeathed to the then Stourbridge Council by Benjamin Richardson III in 1953. It was displayed in the Council House at Mary Stevens Park.  Since 1980 parts of the collection have been exhibited at Broadfield House Glass Museum, but now for the first time since the glass was moved from Stourbridge, the bequest is being shown again, almost in its entirety. 

 

Founded in 1829 by William Haden Richardson and his younger brother Benjamin, Richardson’s was not only one of the most important Stourbridge companies, but also enjoyed an international reputation.  In the 1840s the firm pioneered the development of new exotic colours such as white opal and uranium green while later in the 19^th century they were behind the introduction of new decorating techniques such as acid etching, threading and trapped enamel.  Examples of all these different styles of glassware can be seen in the exhibition, as well as flower-stands, lustres, stemware, cameo vases and friggers. 

 

Displayed alongside this exhibition are a variety of paintings by Elizabeth Richardson, Mary Richardson and Emily Hodgetts, some of which have never been publicly displayed before.

 

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for the environment said:

“Bringing all the items from the bequest together again shows what a versatile company Richardson’s was and what a skilled workforce they had.  There’s a huge variety of glass on show and I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to visit this exhibition.”

 

Innovation and Inspiration: The Richardson Bequest” runs at Broadfield House Glass Museum until 10 August.  The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 12noon to 4pm. Admission is free.  For further information contact the museum on 01384 812745 or visit www.glassmuseum.org.uk