About the festival

The Next Festival - 27 - 30 August 2021

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 eighth International Festival of Glass - please do check in for updates, sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

The 2021 festival will explore glassmaking in Korea, China and Japan.

Please do make contact if you are from these countries or have links or interesting projects - [email protected]

We look forward to meeting you in Stourbridge in August 2021 to celebrate one of the most fascinating and diverse art forms around.

Banner image: Daam_Dah 1 by Keeryong Choi featured in the 2019 British Glass Biennale

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 all Festival venues is free, however some activities and events will have a charge. Read more

Latest

Open call for makers and creative practitioners

Are you a maker, designer or artist, perhaps you are a writer with a passion for storytelling or a creative practitioner with an interest in heritage? During the lockdown, we want to continue to support the arts community. We are looking to hear from creative practitioners with potential designs and ideas inspired by our building and its history.

Keep Well Keep Crafting

Although our doors at The Hive may be closed, the activity continues! We have put together a craft campaign to encourage people to keep well and keep crafting during this difficult time. This includes craft kits for adults who are self isolating and family activity sheets. Read more...

JQ Scavenger Hunt

Jewellery Quarter residents! During one of your daily healthy exercise sessions why not try our heritage-themed #JQ Scavenger Hunt around the area? You can download the activity FREE here. heritage. health. wellbeing. stay safe. follow the rules.

Jerk 'n Jewels wax carving jewellery design workshop

Spend the morning in The Hive's Makers Studio learning the ancient craft of wax carving and making your own wax jewellery design. This Jerk 'n Jewels workshop is led by Paul Spurgeon, twice UK Designer of the Year and multi-award winner in the craft. As part of the ticket price, the workshop includes a Jerk 'n Jewels all-you-can-eat Jamaican buffet. WHAT A LOVELY FATHER'S DAY GIFT!!

Plan your visit

The International Festival of Glass takes place at venues across the Stourbridge Glass Quarter. Entry to all Festival venues is free, however some activities and events will have a charge.

Hive Cafe and Bakery

The Hive Cafe and Bakery provides 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! Please visit us at The Hive subsite. www.thehiveJQ.org

Why we exist

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.

Merlin Theatre

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

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.

British Glass Biennale 2019 - selected artists

The Ruskin Mill Land Trust, in association with the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers, is delighted to announce the artists for the 2019 British Glass Biennale exhibition. Over two days an expert panel of judges chaired by Róisín de Buitléar and comprising of Dr Jane Cook, Monica Guggisberg, Angel Monzon, and Cathy Shankland, selected the very best of this year’s entries, all of which achieved a very high standard.

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.

Aonghus Gordon MEd, FRSA, Executive Chair

Aonghus has a distinguished track record of development and leadership of several ground-breaking charities that provide high quality environments and opportunities for people with disabilities. He is passionate about the need for people to break out of dependency and marginalisation, believing that everyone has the potential to shape their own future.