Stourbridge

The Glasshouse is a historic site that has been used for glassmaking since 1691. In 2000 The Ruskin Mill Land Trust purchased the then derelict factory from Royal Doulton and has been gradually transforming it over the years. It is bordered by the Stourbridge Canal and has a variety of industrial buildings that have been converted for educational, cultural, heritage and business use. The buildings and site provide a rich and creative environment for the educational and cultural development of people whilst fulfilling a key role in the regeneration of the local area. The industrial and artistic heritage embodied in the buildings and the traditions of glassmaking represent powerful forces, both symbolically and practically. This has enabled us to keep alive a cultural and economic activity that has been central to the community of Stourbridge for generations.

The Glasshouse is the collective name for the Ruskin Glass Centre, Glasshouse College, the Glasshouse Arts and Heritage Centre.

British Glass Biennale 2019

The UK's leading exhibition of contemporary glass, featuring work by 76 artists selected by jury. Open until 28 September in Stourbridge. Exhibition is open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm. Free entry. Closes 28 September 2019 Read more

Voices From The Cones

A unique evening of songs and stories which have been inspired by the Voices From the Cones oral history recordings Read more

Those Magnificent Men

It's back! The thrilling true story of the first ever non-stop transatlantic flight as told by writing duo Mitchell and Nixon returns in this side-splitting new production. Read more

Latest

The Big Draw!

Artist Tom Jones will be at The Hive to lead a drawing workshop aimed at everyone from beginners, to those who would like to develop their skills and ideas. Inspired by the building and John Ruskin's notion of drawing to observe and comprehend, artists are encouraged to focus their eye on the miniature in order to gather information and gain knowledge.

The Jewellery Quarter during World War II

Volunteer Mac Joseph has been carrying out research on our building's history during World War II. It's so interesting to see how Vittoria Street, and the wider Jewellery Quarter was affected by air raids. There is a focus on Joseph Smith, the last manufacturing occupants of Standard Works.

Voices From The Cones

A unique evening of songs and stories which have been inspired by the Voices From the Cones oral history recordings

Discovering the Jewellery Quarter - Deakin & Francis

Our new exhibition is on display at The Hive! Freya Samuel has been delving into our local history, and discovering the story of 15-17 Regent Place, just up the road from New Standard Works. From a famous resident, to housing the oldest family-run jewellers in the UK; read this blog to find out all about the history of one of the JQ’s most important buildings.

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. 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.

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: 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.