More time needed for relocation of Stourbridge Glass Collection

Margot James, Conservative Candidate for Stourbridge, visited the Red House Glass Cone and Broadfield House Glass Museum, to examine future options in respect of the world renowned Stourbridge Glass Collection.

The decision, announced suddenly, to close Broadfield House by March 2010 has been greeted with dismay locally. But Margot James says it should be seen as an opportunity to create a state of the art environment to exhibit the glass heritage of Stourbridge to its finest advantage.

Margot said “This world renowned collection deserves the finest exhibition space. Broadfield House has served it well, but a modern purpose built museum in the heart of the glass making district would revitalise our heritage and attract even more visitors to view the finest glass from a golden age.”

Margot was shown round by Roger Dodsworth, Keeper of Glass and Fine Art and John Sanders, of the Friends of Broadfield House. The management team at Broadfield House are working on a number of options including housing the collection in what is presently used as offices on the first floor of the Red House Glass Cone.

Other options under review include securing funds for the development of purpose built space on land currently under the management of the administrators of Stuart Crystal, on the Red House site, and land further up Bridge Street, overlooking the canal.

Margot James called on Dudley Council to review the timing of its decision to close Broadfield House, saying “given the national importance of the Stourbridge Glass Collection there is every chance that money could be raised to build a contemporary glass museum, but it will take time, certainly longer than fourteen months, to secure the right future for the collection and we should not be closing a world renowned facility down until firm plans are in place for a new building.” The existing space at the Red House Glass Cone is clearly unsuitable for such a nationally significant part of our local heritage, but other options on and around the Red House Glass Cone site could be ideal.

Photo: Margot James with Roger Dodsworth and glassmaker Jim Cartwright.