International Festival of Glass
 |
| 'Seeing Is Believing'
by
Biennale Finalist
Kathryn Wightman |
|
Start: 22nd August 2008
End: 25th August 2008
The third International Festival of Glass has been organised to take place this August Bank Holiday. This event will incorporate a programme of events that will celebrate all forms of glass making: including exhibitions, demonstrations, masterclasses and glass fairs. The festival events will be of interest to both glass enthusiasts and anyone with a general passion for the arts.
The festival takes place in and around Stourbridge, situated near to Birmingham [UK]. Over the last 400 years this area of the West Midlands has been a major centre for glassmaking. Local glass factories such as Thomas Webb & Sons, Stephens & Williams and Stuart's Crystal were once the envy of the world and one of the aims of the festival is to honour Britain's heritage of glass making traditions.
The rich heritage of the area is still being upheld by a small community of glass artists. Many gifted glassmakers have been drawn to the Stourbridge area and the current generation of studio artists have acquired an international reputation for excellence and innovation. Many of these local artists will be taking part in the events organised for the International Festival of Glass.
The following events represent just some of the highlights that the 2008 International Festival of Glass has to offer:
For a full list of all the events associated with the International Festival of Glass,
please visit www.ifg.org.uk
2008 British Glass Biennale
22 August to 28 September 2008
This event is no doubt one of the most important attractions at this
year's glass festival. The event has attracted glass artists from
 |
Glass Sculpture by Biennale Finalist
Hannah Kippax |
|
throughout the UK, all competing to win this prestigious
competition. More than 200 artists submitted their work and the jury
have now narrowed the competition down to a shortlist of artists whose work will be exhibited as part of the festival.
The exhibition represents the work of contemporary artists, designers and craftspeople working at the highest standards. Exhibitors include prominent artists such as Vic Bamforth, Bob Crooks, Sally Fawkes, David Flower, Peter Layton, Allister Malcolm, Anthony Scala and David Reekie - to name but a few.
The British Glass Biennale will be a selling exhibition, with over 130 pieces of work by some of the UK's leading contemporary glass makers. The exhibition will be held at The Ruskin Glass Centre [formerly the glassworks of Webb Corbett and Royal Doulton] and will run from the 22nd of August until the 28th of September 2008.
A colour exhibition catalogue will be available at a special price during the festival.
Open Daily from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free.
For more information visit www.biennale.org.uk
Masterclasses
Numerous masterclasses have been organised to coincide with the International Festival of Glass. Classes cover a wide range of glass making methods: from traditional techniques such as glass blowing and sand casting, through to courses on neon sculpture and experimental kiln casting.
For full masterclass details please Click Here.
Masterclasses have proven to be extremely popular in previous years, so it is advisable to book early to ensure a place on the courses you are interested in.
Fairs
A number of fairs and markets have been organised to coincide with the International Festival of Glass. These include:
Glass Emporium
22 to 25 August
Open Daily: 10am - 5pm
The Glass Emporium will be held at the Ruskin Glass Centre and opens it's doors on Friday 22nd August. This event will be open daily throughout the duration of the festival and will feature selected artists, suppliers, tool manufacturers and publishers.
Exhibitors will include Warm Glass, Chrome Yellow Books, Jonathan Harris Studio Glass, Louise Ashton Design, Bristol Blue Glass, PVS (UK) Ltd, Contemporary Glass Society and Kiln Care.
The Stourbridge Glass Fair
 |
Mdina 'Fish Vase'
by Michael Harris. A typical example of the type of glass to be found at the Stourbridge
Glass Fair |
|
Sunday 24 August 2008
Open: 10.30am to 4.00pm
Admission: £3
This new event will be held at the Crystal Leisure Centre and takes place on Sunday the 24th of August.
The fair has been organised by Oxbridge Fairs, organisers of other well known specialist glass fairs: including REFLECT 2008 and the Cambridge Glass Fair. The fair will feature a wide variety of antique and collectable glass, including glass from a wide range of periods and historic manufacturers. The fair will also feature an impressive array of contemporary glass, including items produced by local glass artists.
For Further Information:
Tel: tel: 07887 762872
Email: oxbridgefairs@aol.com
Stourbridge Bead Fair
23 August to 25 August 2008
Open: 10:00am to 4:30pm
Admission: Free
The 5th Annual Stourbridge Bead Fair will be held at the Bonded Warehouse [Stourbridge] and will feature some of the foremost bead artists and lamp work artists from the UK, Europe, USA and Australia.
Exhibitors include, Chrystal Adcock, Roy Ayre, Sally Carver, Francesca Cerreta, Sarah Downton, Kate Drew-Wilkinson, Sabre Gilmartin, Pauline Holt, Judith Johnston, Elise Mann, Barbara Mason, Lesley McFarland, Mike Poole, Sharon Reynolds, Duncan Smith and various others.
Tel: 01250 876 110.
Email: gallowglassbead@aol.com
Website: www.stourbridgebeadfair.co.uk
Other Events
The above events and activities represent just a few of the attractions at this year's International Festival of Glass. There are many more events to attend, activities to take part in and a vast array of glass to be seen.
Whether you are a glass professional looking for inspiration, an avid glass collector or enthusiast, or you are simply curious about the heritage of the Stourbridge area, you are sure to find something of interest at the International Festival of Glass.
For full details of all events and activities, please visit www.ifg.org.uk
<< Back to News Page |
