Taking a day off recently Sue and I decided to spend an hour at the new World of Glass Museum next to the ‘Hotties’ in the centre of St Helens. As we wandered around the hour began to stretch until we finally left 5 hours latter.
At £5.00 per head, (there are various concessions) the money was well spent.
The main museum is housed in a brand new purpose built building appropriately using structural glass curtain walling to give a bright airy feel.
After breakfast in the restaurant the first gallery we were directed to explained the origins of glass ware design combining touch screen computer displays with show cases of examples back as far as the Egyptian and Roman period.
A second gallery dealt with the industrial side including the chemical and coal industries again combining objects with commentary and archive film material.
At regular intervals there are glass blowing demonstrations which last about half an hour where through various grants and initiatives young glass designers are given access to the kilns for two years to produce ware for sale. The intention is that this will allow the demonstrators time to build up a business by the end of their contact. We returned to this part on a few occasions as different designers produced bowls and vases.
Next to the glass blowing workshop is what would be unfairly described as a film show explaining the development of glass production. No more information so as not to spoil the surprise but be prepared for bangs, flashes and lots of smoke as you sit in the theatre.
It was time to check the restaurant for lunch before crossing the glass walled walkway over the Sankey Canal to the exhibition in the Glass House.
MIHS had some involvement in the late 1980’s with this building by highlighting its need for preservation. Peter Keen also looked at the underground flue system when originally rediscovered during the construction of the adjoining hotel complex. Finally last season we had a lecture on the renovation of the building and its flue system - all of which helped build up the expectation as we crossed the footbridge.
Inside the darkened room the most dominant feature is the cone supported on cast iron beams and columns. Below this are the excavated remains of the gas and air flue system that by donning a hard hat you can walk through. Another AV presentation explains the principle.
I personally found the museum an excellent day out with the staff enthusiastic to help and guide you to the various galleries. There is also a shop where glass products made on site and abroad can be purchased although consultation with the bank manager may be in order before considering the specialised locally made products.