Glass museum calls for financial support

A museum celebrating the Black Country's glassmaking heritage says its future is at risk because of rising costs.

Managers at the Glass Museum in Stourbridge said more support is needed to keep the attraction open.

The museum opened in 2022, but energy bills and other running costs are putting pressure on the attraction, despite efforts to reduce spending.

Recalling the area's once thriving glass industry, dating back 400 years, Museum director Alexander Goodger said that the wider sector is facing similar challenges.

The Glass Museum was created on the site of the derelict Stuart Crystal Glass Factory, costing £6m.

Goodger said: "We don't get any local government funding, we don't get any national government funding. We're reliant on self-generated income. That's footfall, admissions, events and subletting of business units.

"So we really need support over the next couple of years if we're to continue here as a museum."

The museum said it wants to open tunnels where glass was once made but cannot afford to staff them.

It said the whole sector is suffering, with Sunderland's National Glass centre set to close this month, with demolition planned for August.

Bristol Blue Glass closed permanently in May after 38 years of operation, and the World of Glass in St Helens launched a major public fundraising appeal last year, following financial difficulties and cuts to council support.

Artists who rent space at the museum to help bolster its income are also struggling with gas bills trebling due to high energy costs.

Goodger said: "Hopefully our story inspires enough people to come and visit, but it's one that relies on people remaining interested in the heritage that is here locally.

"It would be terrible if those are locked away and no one can come and see them."

The government has recently announced £1.6 billion in support nationally for museums and says other support is available. It also says it's helped businesses with the cost of energy.

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