Antique Stourbridge Glass

Explore the world renown techniques of decorative Stourbridge glass. Various hot and cold forms of decoration are explained and illustrated. Linked galleries of factory pattern books for each technique provide a guide to further research if necessary.

Library & Archives

The museum houses an extensive reference library of books and information on glassmaking, including the entire library of Robert Charleston, former head of glass and ceramics at the Victoria & Albert Museum. The Charleston library includes approximately 700 books as well as his own collection of papers, articles and archival material. In addition, there is a large collection of images and recorded material providing insight into the people and the manufacturing process.

The Legacy of Stourbridge Artists

Cameo glass was reinvented by John Northwood in the Stourbridge area 2000 years after the Romans first mastered the technique. Explore his work and that of others who followed.

Stevens & Williams

Extracts of the Stevens & Williams description books are available on line. These contain thumbnail drawings with details of costing, artists and dates. An index provides a guide to the periods covered.

Pattern Books

Full sized drawings of Stevens & Williams designs shown in the description books.

Design Books

Compilations of designs from various manufacturers. Later sales catalogues of cut glass productions

The Dudley Archives

The Dudley Archives is the home of an extensive collection relating to the local and British glass industry. The Museum Service collects pattern books, catalogues, description books, invoices and other paperwork, as well as photographs of factories, workers and their families. These include modern material as well as historic, as the history of the glass industry is constantly changing. Videos and films of glassmaking are also collected.

The pattern books of Thomas Webb and Sons, and Royal Brierley Crystal were acquired when those companies closed, while pattern books from other local companies such as Richardson, Boulton & Mills, J. & J. Northwood, and Smart Brothers have been saved or acquired at auction. Important material is also held on individual artists including Daniel Pearce, Joseph Keller, and George and Thomas Woodall, as well as modern figures such as Alexander Hardie Williamson.

An online index of materials available can be searched on the Black Country History site.