British Glass

Two in-depth illustrated talks-- and a road show!

A Victorian Splendour: the golden age of British glass
In the 19th century British glassmakers created a kaleidoscope of shapes, colours and decorative techniques which far outstripped those of any other country for the sheer genius of their technical virtuosity and aesthetic sensibility. Special items, including cameo glass and pieces shown at the Great Exhibition of 1851, plus photos of the factories and working conditions and designers, place their achievements within the social context of one of the greatest periods of British glassmaking.

After a coffee break: 20th-century British glass
Based on Charles’s book on the subject, this talk explores a century of glass in Britain from 1900 to 2000, when the studio glass movement gave artists a new medium for artistic expression.

Lunch: you’re welcome to bring your own supplies and eat in the hall, or go out.

For the roadshow, please bring glass of any date and from any country – not just 19th- and 20th-century British glass, the topics of the two lectures, although those would be good as well.
Even if you think your items might be worthless, please still bring them along. It’s sometimes those pieces which turn out to be the star attractions!
Valuations will not be given, but simply a history of each piece and the techniques used to create it.

Our speaker, Charles R. Hajdamach, is one of the top authorities on glass.
His two books remain the standard works on the subjects of 19th- and 20th-century British glass.

The day will end around 3.30 pm.

Covid: we shall be taking all appropriate precautions, including thorough ventilation of the hall. So please wear warm clothes.