I tell of the growth of our glass industry from Medieval Forest Glass and the integration of expert Huguenot glassmakers, from the development of discrete industries making utility bottles, glasses, windows to the fine crystal tableware for which Stourbridge is renowned. Why did the industry diversify? How did the revolution of regulation, laws, taxes, materials, fashions and demand change the industry? The ingenious artisans of Stourbridge faced those changes; mastered, honed, and augmented their skills and their expertise and artistry.
Their legacy is now exemplified by the migration of local glassmakers as entrepreneurs to the USA and Europe, making innovative products that influenced industry and fashion; the historic industrial architecture of glass cones, and distinctive local Schools of Art; visitor centres and museums as centres of learning; events and festivals celebrating out industry; and the heritage of artisan studio master glassmakers working today.
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