About the Biennale

2019 BRITISH GLASS BIENNALE WINNERS:

Winner: Glass Biennale Award: Jeff Zimmer, 'The Fragility of Memory and Material (Personal), 2018

Winner: Glass Sellers' Art & Craft Award: Ian Chadwick, 'Medicine for Garmonbozia (Glass Charger Index 1902)', 2019

Runner Up: Glass Sellers' Art & Craft Award: Emma Goring, 'Divisions and Growth', 2018

Runner Up: Glass Sellers' Art & Craft Award: Bruno Romanelli, 'Misam', 2018

Winner: Glass Sellers' Art & Craft Student Award: Calum Dawes, 'Witness 1-7', 2018

Winner: Glass Arts Society International Artist Award: Jonathan Michie, 'Ambition', 2018

Winner: People's Prize: Kate Pasvol, Book of Welsh Walks- The Brecon Beacons

Winner: Young Collector's Award: Marzena Ostromecka, PLAY_ZONE

Winner: Glass Society Award: Jon Lewis, Apertura Aurora

Runner Up: Glass Society Award: Monette Larson, Dynamic Breath

The British Glass Biennale is the foremost juried exhibition of excellence in contemporary glass by British artists, designers and craftspeople in the UK. With at least 80 major new glass works selected every two years, the British Glass Biennale is the flagship exhibition within the International Festival of Glass and attracts collectors, galleries and museums from around the world.

The British Glass Biennale is open to artists, designers, craftspeople and students working in all areas of contemporary glass practice or using glass as a key design element. The emphasis is on new work demonstrating the highest level of excellence in design, creative imagination and technical skill.

Seventy-four artists were selected out of 200 applicants for the 2019 British Glass Biennale. They presented the most interesting, diverse and outstanding glass art made in the UK in the last two years. The work formed a cutting-edge showcase of contemporary British based glass talent with over £12,000 worth of awards presented.

The exhibition displayed work by established artists and emerging new talent, including work by 12 students and 21 new artists in the main section. The selected artists were hailed to be brave and innovative, using a wide range of styles and techniques both traditional and experimental.

Venue: Ruskin Glass Centre, Wollaston Road, Amblecote, Stourbridge DY8 4HF

list of artists 2019

We are grateful to all our sponsors and supporters

Ruskin Mill Land Trust

Ruskin Mill Trust

Arts Council England

Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers

Glass Arts Society (GAS)

Contemporary Glass Society

The Glass Society

Warm Glass

Mark Holford

Image: Kate Pasvol, winner of the People's Prize with Simon Gue, Director of Warm Glass UK

2017 British Glass Biennale

The 2017 exhibition featured work by 63 contemporary artists, including British makers living and working abroad for the first time. Since its inception in 2004 the Biennale has awarded £100,000 worth of prizes to artists. Read more

2015 British Glass Biennale

2015 British Glass Biennale 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.