About the festival

The Next Festival - 23 - 26 August 2019

Since its inception in 2004 the Festival’s aim has been to celebrate and showcase the skill and innovation of the glass industry and makers, both historic and contemporary, local and international. We are currently planning the 8th International Festival of Glass - please do check in for updates, sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Facebook or Twitter. The theme will be PLACEMAKING and we welcome suggestions or proposals.

We look forward to meeting you in Stourbridge in August 2019 to celebrate one of the most fascinating and diverse art forms around.

Volunteer

The Festival would not be possible without our wonderful volunteers and we are always looking for people to join the team...Read more

Plan your visit

The International Festival of Glass takes place at venues across the Stourbridge Glass Quarter. Entry to most Festival venues is free, however some activities may incur a small charge. A Festival Pass is required for entry to Ruskin Glass Centre over the four days. A Festival Pass allows entry to lectures, demonstrations, the British Glass Biennale and other exhibitions on site, and some performances.Read more

Latest

Ridgeway Music embraces the Merlin stage again this year with their Christmas Performance

Cortana Productions presents 'The Dark Place With The Lift'

Wannabe playwright Nick has spent his whole life creating one big mess after another. But now he’s got the chance to make something of himself. Or would have, if it wasn’t for that dark place with the lift! Advance tickets £8 Adults, £6 Seniors, Students and Unwaged – booking fees apply Tickets on the door: £10 and £8.

The Boy Who Cried Wolf

A re-imagining of one of the most loved of Aesop's Fables. Jacob is a young boy who loves to be playful. When he is given the responsibility of being the village shepherd his wild imagination leads him astray... This tale, about the power of our words, is brought to life for young children and their families with Angel Heart's combination of puppetry, dynamic storytelling, live music and song, with the chance to join in.

Paulin Quirke Academy

Plan your visit

Hive Cafe and Bakery

The Hive Cafe and Bakery is now open! Providing a warm welcome in the heart of Birmingham's famous Jewellery Quarter, with delicious pastries, cake, bread and meals. Come and visit us. Try our coffee!

Why we exist

British Glass Biennale 2017

The flagship British Glass Biennale 2017 exhibition featuring work by 63 artists. Winner of Best on Show - Joseph Harrington with St Helens ii.

Our story

The seeds of Ruskin Mill Land Trust were sown in 1967 when Robin and Barbara Gordon transplanted their young sons Aonghus and Alisdair from the hothouse of the Ruskin Centre for Art Appreciation in Venice to the cold frame of a dilapidated former textile mill in Gloucestershire.

Freeman Biodynamic Garden at High Riggs

Located in Stannington bordering the Peak District the Freeman Biodynamic Garden provides fruit and vegetables for Freeman College, Brantwood Specialist School and the Fusion Café. Thanks to much hard work over the last three years High Riggs has been changed from a disused tree nursery to a new highly productive market garden.

Merlin Theatre

Transforming the Merlin Theatre has enriched the cultural life of Sheffield and provided cultural venue for Freeman College and Brantwood Specialist School..

Vale Head Farm

Vale Head Farm was an equestrian centre when we purchased it, and over the years hard work has seen it bloom into a beautiful biodynamic farm.

British Glass Biennale 2019 – Call to Artists

Calling all artists working in glass. The online submission opens in early November. Start dreaming up your ideas ready to submit. Deadline is midnight 24 February 2019

Aonghus Gordon: Executive Chair: MEd BA PGCE

Aonghus Gordon spent his formative years in Venice. He attended Rudolf Steiner schools and completed a BA in Ceramics and Art History followed by teacher training, gaining a Post Graduate Certificate in Education at Breton Hall, Leeds in 1981. Aonghus completed his MEd from Rudolf Steiner University College in Oslo.