Author Archives: Kate Round

Dulcie’s Story

I am seeing many posts today in celebration of International Women’s Day. This is my tribute to the women who were the backbone of many Black Country industries. Largely un-celebrated and often un-noticed, they were proud hard-working women who worked and raised their families. I give you…. Dulcie May Harper (1936-2021) For the 2012 BiennaleContinue reading “Dulcie’s Story”

SHOUT-OUT to Glass Artists and Students For ‘Where in The World’

Hello, my name is Kate Round, and I am part of the design team working on some of the permanent interactive displays for our new Glass Museum in Stourbridge. Website: https://www.britishglassfoundation.org.uk/home/white-house-cone/ One project will be a map of the world that will illustrate ‘Where Have Our Glass-makers Gone’. I cannot display actual pieces, but images willContinue reading “SHOUT-OUT to Glass Artists and Students For ‘Where in The World’”

Working from Home

The Contemporary Glass Society, https://www.cgs.org.uk/ publishes a regular newsletter to keep members informed and connected. Established in 1997 the Society represents the interests of glass-makers both in the UK and abroad. There are currently over 1000 members. As we are all finding ourselves working remotely and juggling different environments, other commitments and the lack ofContinue reading “Working from Home”

Meet the Designers

In this blog I would like to tell you how art and design developed in glassware;  and introduce you to some of the 20th Century designers, both in house and commissioned who made sure that Stuart Crystal Products were both desirable and at the forefront of fashion. The elements of good design are functional, practical, ergonomic,Continue reading “Meet the Designers”

Talks via Webinar

These changing times have meant that we all need to reassess our working practices. Many of the clubs and societies that I speak to are having to look at other ways of getting together, to keep us safe while maintaining our social lives. We are exploring the virtual world to keep in touch with friendsContinue reading “Talks via Webinar”

Stourbridge Glassmakers their History and their Legacy

I tell of the growth of our glass industry from Medieval Forest Glass and the integration of expert Hugenot glassmakers, from the development of discrete industries making everything from utility bottles, glasses, and windows to the fine crystal tableware for which Stourbridge is renowned. Why did the industry diversify? How did the revolution of regulation,Continue reading “Stourbridge Glassmakers their History and their Legacy”

Glassmaker’s Tools

Glassmakers Shift Pattern, Pay and tools – Part II Glass making in Stourbridge in the century from the 1850’s was a flourishing and extremely successful industry, with many family-run businesses. Names that we remember that have now long gone from our streets, Stuart Crystal, Royal Brierley Crystal, (Stevens & Williams), Webbs, Corbett’s, Richardsons, to nameContinue reading “Glassmaker’s Tools”

Glassmakers, their strange shift pattern, and pay

The strange shift system worked by glassmakers was known as a Journey and divided into Turns and Moves. The pay system was complicated, and production was capped by Flint Glassmakers Union, to ensure that workers earned a minimum wage for their skills. The innovative use of hand-made tools, and a proficiency in mental arithmetic, ensuredContinue reading “Glassmakers, their strange shift pattern, and pay”

George and Thomas Woodall Masters of Cameo

This tells the story of ordinary local brothers under the guidance of John Northwood and his burgeoning expertise in reproducing the cameo carving of The Portland Vase in 1876; they became Masters of their craft producing the finest cameo of all time. From early training at Stourbridge School of Art to the establishment of theContinue reading “George and Thomas Woodall Masters of Cameo”