WHAT'S ON AT THE MUSEUM
The museum has a lively programme of events open to all. Please see below for what's on at the museum.
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'Inspired by William Morris
28 Aug. 2024 - 31 Oct. 2024
Event category: Exhibition
Price: Free
Location: The Stained Glass Museum
William Morris described the two leading passions of his life as the desire to create ‘beautiful things’ and a ‘hatred of modern civilisation’. As well as being an artist and designer Morris was also a writer, activist and poet. He was in every way a radical of his time, in both thought and action.
Organised by the British Society of Master Glass Painters (BMSGP), this exhibition invited members to make a 30cm square glass panel in response to the theme ‘Inspired by William Morris’ for an online and touring exhibition. Open to professionals, enthusiasts and novices alike, more than 90 submissions were received.
An online gallery with all submissions for the exhibition can be found Here
The touring exhibition opens in Stourbridge at the International Festival of Glass from 23-26 August. It is then on display at The Stained Glass Museum in Ely from 28 August - 31 October, and then in Rochdale Town Hall until the end of 2024.
Contact: 01353 660347
Autumn Talks 2024: Douglas Strachan: his Life and Legacy with Juliette Macdonald
16 Oct. 2024 7pm
Event category: Talk /Tour
Price: £6.50 (Friends: £5)
Location: Online
Book
Scotland as a nation has a dramatic history; the history of its stained glass is no less dramatic. The Protestant Reformation led to the destruction of virtually all of Scotland’s stained-glass windows, and the traditions and craft knowledge of stained-glass production fell into decay until the 19th century.
One of the most important figures in the Scottish revival of stained-glass design was the Aberdonian, Douglas Strachan who produced over 350 windows throughout Britain and beyond. His work, which spanned the first half of the twentieth century, continues to inspire and influence designers.
Strachan’s approach to, and innovative use of, glass including early schemes for the Peace windows (1913) in The Hague, Netherlands and Lowson Memorial Kirk (1914) in Forfar, and later work such as the windows in the Shrine at the Scottish National War Memorial (1924-27), Edinburgh and the 1931 East Window, Paisley Abbey, will be discussed.
Dr Juliette MacDonald received her PhD from the University of St Andrews in 2003. She holds the Chair for Craft History and Theory at the University of Edinburgh. Her research interests focus on craft, design and material culture and their relationship with creativity, place and identity. She co-organised Identity, Collaboration, Sustainability; an online International Festival of Craft, 2021, is co-editor of Styling Shanghai, Christopher Breward and Juliette MacDonald, (eds) Bloomsbury, 2019, and has contributed chapters, articles and reviews to various Journals and books including: Craft and Heritage, Intersections in Critical Studies and Practice, Susan Surette and Elaine Cheasley Paterson, 2022, In 2020 she received the Hongqiao Friendship Award, in recognition of her role as an envoy for transnational education in Shanghai.
This talk will be delivered by Zoom. The link will be emailed to ticket holders prior to the event.
Contact: events@stainedglassmuseum.com
details...
Autumn Talks 2024: 'Drawn to Light' with Grace Ayson
23 Oct. 2024 7pm
Event category: Talk /Tour
Price: £6.50 (Friends: £5)
Location: Online
Book
In this talk, Grace will take you on a journey charting her career so far, from her starting point as a sculptor, through her work as a conservator, to her work as a stained glass artist. Using past projects and commissions, she will explore the techniques and approaches she has used, her influences and inspirations, and ideas about the tradition and craft of stained glass.
Grace Ayson is a stained glass artist, designer and conservator based on the Kent coast in the UK. Her work combines striking modern draughtsmanship with traditional craft and technique. She has worked as an artist for many years, creating drawings concerned with light and its effects on architectural spaces. This interest in the living, moving effects of light and its impact on the viewer has found its ultimate expression in her work as a glass artist. Grace graduated with a fine art and sculpture degree in 1997, she then went on to work in sculpture and historic building and decorative surface conservation which eventually led her to a passion in stained glass. She has worked with stained glass for 20 years, including 15 years at The Cathedral Studios at Canterbury Cathedral, and set up her own studio in 2020. She creates windows and artworks for homeowners, interior designers, churches, public buildings and artworks for exhibition, combining a fresh modern approach with traditional techniques.
Grace’s work is informed by her background as an artist, making use of light, shadow, colour, mark making, surface texture, line and bold imagery to create striking modern designs. Using traditional skills of painting, etching and staining glass, she layers and combines abstract and graphic elements, translating the drawn image into glass to create artworks that grow beyond their roots in traditional craft and technique.
This talk will be delivered by Zoom. The link will be emailed to ticket holders prior to the event.
Contact: events@stainedglassmuseum.com
details...
Glass Painting Workshop
26 Oct. 2024 10:00-5:00
*** FULLY BOOKED *** Please contact us for waiting list
Event category: Adult Workshop
Price: £120 per person including all materials, equipment and tuition
Location: The Stained Glass Museum, South Triforium, Ely Cathedral, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4DL
Book
The art of painting on glass was mastered in the medieval period. Over the following centuries, stained glass artists have used painting techniques to draw with line and light, to create depth and detail, and to control the atmospheric quality of light’s transmission through glass.
In this practical workshop, glass artist Derek Hunt will teach traditional painting techniques. Using vitreous pigment and silver stain on clear glass, students learn to work with a variety of brushes, sticks, quills and sponges to create different effects and shading in both wet and dry matts. Glass work will be fired at intervals throughout the workshop, and ready to take home at the end of the day.
Suitable for ages: 18+
Contact: 01353 660347
details...
Autumn Talks 2024: From Heaven to Earth - The Stained Glass of Christopher Webb with John Edwards
30 Oct. 2024 7pm
Event category: Talk /Tour
Price: £6.50 (Friends: £5)
Location: Online
Book
Christopher Webb's reputation as a stained glass designer and artist was at its height in the decades immediately before (the 1930s) and after (1946 to 1955) the Second World War; and during his active career from 1920 to 1964 he produced over 400 windows with a distinctive character and style, as well as designing a wide selection of other church art. Now that his work has been comprehensively listed, and a large collection of design sketches, full-size cartoons and other material given to the Stained Glass Museum, it is timely to reassess his work and its contribution to English stained glass in the 20th century.
Canon John Edwards is a retired Anglican priest in the Diocese of Oxford. Since 2015 he has been researching Webb's work and his circle of friends, collaborators and fellow artists, and has lectured and written extensively about them.
This talk will be delivered by Zoom. The link will be emailed to ticket holders prior to the event.
Contact: events@stainedglassmuseum.com
details...
Half Term Crafts: Children's Beginners Glass Fusing Workshop 11:00-12:30
1 Nov. 2024 11:00-12:30
*** FULLY BOOKED *** Please contact us for waiting list
Event category: Children's Workshop
Price: £15 per child
Location: The Stained Glass Museum
Book
Learn the principles and theory of glass cutting, fusing and firing stained glass.
You will then work on your own design and make a 10cm x10cm glass piece to take home
Your glass will need to be kiln-fired after the workshop is finished. This process takes 24 hours and will usually takes place on the following day because someone needs to be on the premises during firing. Once your fused artwork has been kiln-fired and cooled, we will contact you to let you know it is ready for collection.
All young people must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the workshop.
Suitable for ages: 7+
details...
Half Term Crafts: Children's Beginners Glass Fusing Workshop 1:30-3:00
1 Nov. 2024 1:30-3:00
Event category: Children's Workshop
Price: £15 per child
Location: The Stained Glass Museum
Book
Learn the principles and theory of glass cutting, fusing and firing stained glass.
You will then work on your own design and make a 10cm x10cm glass piece to take home
Your glass will need to be kiln-fired after the workshop is finished. This process takes 24 hours and will usually takes place on the following day because someone needs to be on the premises during firing. Once your fused artwork has been kiln-fired and cooled, we will contact you to let you know it is ready for collection.
All young people must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the workshop.
Suitable for ages: 7+
details...
Glass Fusing Workshop with Louise Haselgrove (Half Day)
2 Nov. 2024 10:00 - 12:30
Event category: Adult Workshop
Price: £60 per person including materials, equipment and tuition
Location: The Stained Glass Museum, South Triforium, Ely Cathedral, Ely, CB7 4DL
Book
During this 2.5 hour workshop, you will be shown the basics of glass fusing and learn to cut your own glass shapes.
You will then use this knowledge to create your own unique glass pieces, such as a pair of coasters, a set of bunting, or a suncatcher.
This is a hands-on workshop, with no previous experience necessary
Suitable for ages: 18+
Contact: 01353 660347
details...
Glass Fusing Workshop with Louise Haselgrove (Half Day)
2 Nov. 2024 1:30 - 4:00
Event category: Adult Workshop
Price: £60 per person including materials, equipment and tuition
Location: The Stained Glass Museum, South Triforium, Ely Cathedral, Ely, CB7 4DL
Book
During this 2.5 hour workshop, you will be shown the basics of glass fusing and learn to cut your own glass shapes.
You will then use this knowledge to create your own unique glass pieces, such as a pair of coasters, a set of bunting, or a suncatcher.
This is a hands-on workshop, with no previous experience necessary
Suitable for ages: 18+
Contact: 01353 660347
details...
SG Minis November Colours Everywhere!
13 Nov. 2024 10:00-11:30
Event category: Family Activity
Price: £3 per child
Location: The Stained Glass Museum
Book
Come and join us for the first Wednesday of the month for informal fun in our beautiful setting. Enjoy crafts, rhymes and stories linked to the theme. Explore our light box and interactive toys and meet new friends, all whilst relaxing with a drink and a biscuit.
Story time will be under one of our beautiful stained glass windows.
The session takes place in the museum gallery which is accessed via a stone spiral staircase of approximately 40 steps. Buggy park and toilet facilities available on the ground floor of the Cathedral.
Attendance is limited to one child/one adult per ticket.
Session times: 10:00-11:30
£3.00 per child which includes all craft materials and a drink and biscuit.
Suitable for ages: Under 5's
Contact: learning@stainedglassmuseum.com
details...
Christmas Family Glass Fusing 16/11/24 11:00-12:30
16 Nov. 2024 11:00-12:30
*** FULLY BOOKED *** Please contact us for waiting list
Event category: Children's Workshop
Price: £15 per person
Location: The Stained Glass Museum
Book
This ticket admits 1 participant to the workshop. Each member of the family wishing to make a fused glass piece needs to book a ticket. Suitable for ages: 7+
You will begin by learning the principles and theory of glass cutting, fusing and firing. After this you will be taught how to cut the glass and try cutting the glass yourself. Other techniques you will be introduced to will include fusing clear and coloured glass using fritt, confetti, stringers and noodles. You will get to work on your design and make a glass Christmas decoration. The session leader will provide examples of the different techniques, processes, fittings and results for you to handle and examine, but the emphasis of the workshop will be on the creative designs that you can achieve by yourselves, ensuring that everyone will have a rewarding time. Your glass will need to be kiln-fired after the workshop is finished so please note that you don't take your glass with you on the day. Each firing takes 24hours. Once your fused artwork has been kiln-fired and cooled, we will contact you to let you know it is ready for collection. This will usually be within a week of completing the workshop. All young people must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the workshop. Suitable for ages: 7+
Suitable for ages: 7+
Contact: learning@stainedglassmuseum.com
details...
Christmas Family Glass Fusing 16/11/24 1:30-3:00
16 Nov. 2024 1:30-3:00
*** FULLY BOOKED *** Please contact us for waiting list
Event category: Children's Workshop
Price: £15 per person
Location: The Stained Glass Museum
Book
This ticket admits 1 participant to the workshop. Each member of the family wishing to make a fused glass piece needs to book a ticket. Suitable for ages: 7+
You will begin by learning the principles and theory of glass cutting, fusing and firing. After this you will be taught how to cut the glass and try cutting the glass yourself. Other techniques you will be introduced to will include fusing clear and coloured glass using fritt, confetti, stringers and noodles. You will get to work on your design and make a glass Christmas decoration. The session leader will provide examples of the different techniques, processes, fittings and results for you to handle and examine, but the emphasis of the workshop will be on the creative designs that you can achieve by yourselves, ensuring that everyone will have a rewarding time. Your glass will need to be kiln-fired after the workshop is finished so please note that you don't take your glass with you on the day. Each firing takes 24hours. Once your fused artwork has been kiln-fired and cooled, we will contact you to let you know it is ready for collection. This will usually be within a week of completing the workshop. All young people must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the workshop. Suitable for ages: 7+
Suitable for ages: 7+
Contact: learning@stainedglassmuseum.com
details...
Leading and Glazing Workshop
28 Nov. 2024 10:00 - 4:00
*** FULLY BOOKED *** Please contact us for waiting list
Event category: Adult Workshop
Price: £120 per person including materials, equipment and tuition
Location: The Lighthouse, 13 Lynn Road, Ely, CB7 4EG
Book
In our leading workshops, participants are introduced to the techniques used to make a decorative glass panel, including glass cutting, leading, soldering and glazing (cementing). After you've chosen your design, you will be taken through each step of the construction process and will practise the glazing techniques before making your own panel to take home.
Suitable for ages: 18+
Contact: 01353 660347
details...
Glass Painting Workshop
29 Nov. 2024 10:00-5:00
*** FULLY BOOKED *** Please contact us for waiting list
Event category: Adult Workshop
Price: £120 per person including all materials, equipment and tuition
Location: The Stained Glass Museum, South Triforium, Ely Cathedral, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4DL
Book
The art of painting on glass was mastered in the medieval period. Over the following centuries, stained glass artists have used painting techniques to draw with line and light, to create depth and detail, and to control the atmospheric quality of light’s transmission through glass.
In this practical workshop, glass artist Derek Hunt will teach traditional painting techniques. Using vitreous pigment and silver stain on clear glass, students learn to work with a variety of brushes, sticks, quills and sponges to create different effects and shading in both wet and dry matts. Glass work will be fired at intervals throughout the workshop, and ready to take home at the end of the day.
Suitable for ages: 18+
Contact: 01353 660347
details...
SG Minis December Festive Fun!
4 Dec. 2024 10:00-11:30
Event category: Family Activity
Price: £3 per child
Location: The Stained Glass Museum
Book
Come and join us for the first Wednesday of the month for informal fun in our beautiful setting. Enjoy crafts, rhymes and stories linked to the theme. Explore our light box and interactive toys and meet new friends, all whilst relaxing with a drink and a biscuit.
Story time will be under one of our beautiful stained glass windows.
The session takes place in the museum gallery which is accessed via a stone spiral staircase of approximately 40 steps. Buggy park and toilet facilities available on the ground floor of the Cathedral.
Attendance is limited to one child/one adult per ticket.
Session times: 10:00-11:30
£3.00 per child which includes all craft materials and a drink and biscuit.
Suitable for ages: Under 5's
Contact: learning@stainedglassmuseum.com
details...
SG Minis January Fabulous Faces!
8 Jan. 2025 10:00-11:30
Event category: Family Activity
Price: £3 per child
Location: The Stained Glass Museum
Book
Come and join our toddler group on the first Wednesday of the month for informal fun in our beautiful setting. Enjoy crafts, rhymes and stories linked to the theme. Explore our light box and interactive toys and meet new friends, all whilst relaxing with a drink and a biscuit.
Story time will be under one of our beautiful stained glass windows.
Suitable for babies and children up to 5 years old
The session takes place in the museum gallery which is accessed via a stone spiral staircase of approximately 40 steps. Buggy park and toilet facilities available on the ground floor of the Cathedral.
Attendance is limited to one child/one adult per ticket.
Session times: 10:00-11:30
£3.00 per child which includes all craft materials and a drink and biscuit.
Suitable for ages: Under 5's
Contact: learning@stainedglassmuseum.com
details...
SG Minis February Under the Sea!
5 Feb. 2025 10:00-11:30
Event category: Family Activity
Price: £3 per child
Location: The Stained Glass Museum
Book
Come and join our toddler group on the first Wednesday of the month for informal fun in our beautiful setting. Enjoy crafts, rhymes and stories linked to the theme. Explore our light box and interactive toys and meet new friends, all whilst relaxing with a drink and a biscuit.
Story time will be under one of our beautiful stained glass windows.
Suitable for babies and children up to 5 years old
The session takes place in the museum gallery which is accessed via a stone spiral staircase of approximately 40 steps. Buggy park and toilet facilities available on the ground floor of the Cathedral.
Attendance is limited to one child/one adult per ticket.
Session times: 10:00-11:30
£3.00 per child which includes all craft materials and a drink and biscuit.
Suitable for ages: Under 5's
Contact: learning@stainedglassmuseum.com
details...
SG Minis March Food Glorious Food!
5 Mar. 2025 10:00-11:30
Event category: Family Activity
Price: £3 per child
Location: The Stained Glass Museum
Book
Come and join our toddler group on the first Wednesday of the month for informal fun in our beautiful setting. Enjoy crafts, rhymes and stories linked to the theme. Explore our light box and interactive toys and meet new friends, all whilst relaxing with a drink and a biscuit.
Story time will be under one of our beautiful stained glass windows.
Suitable for babies and children up to 5 years old
The session takes place in the museum gallery which is accessed via a stone spiral staircase of approximately 40 steps. Buggy park and toilet facilities available on the ground floor of the Cathedral.
Attendance is limited to one child/one adult per ticket.
Session times: 10:00-11:30
£3.00 per child which includes all craft materials and a drink and biscuit.
Suitable for ages: Under 5's
Contact: learning@stainedglassmuseum.com
details...
SG Minis April Springtime!
2 Apr. 2025 10:00-11:30
Event category: Family Activity
Price: £3 per child
Location: The Stained Glass Museum
Book
Come and join our toddler group on the first Wednesday of the month for informal fun in our beautiful setting. Enjoy crafts, rhymes and stories linked to the theme. Explore our light box and interactive toys and meet new friends, all whilst relaxing with a drink and a biscuit.
Story time will be under one of our beautiful stained glass windows.
Suitable for babies and children up to 5 years old
The session takes place in the museum gallery which is accessed via a stone spiral staircase of approximately 40 steps. Buggy park and toilet facilities available on the ground floor of the Cathedral.
Attendance is limited to one child/one adult per ticket.
Session times: 10:00-11:30
£3.00 per child which includes all craft materials and a drink and biscuit.
Suitable for ages: Under 5's
Contact: learning@stainedglassmuseum.com
details...
SG Minis May Wonderful Weather!
7 May 2025 10:00-11:30
Event category: Family Activity
Price: £3 per child
Location: The Stained Glass Museum
Book
Come and join our toddler group on the first Wednesday of the month for informal fun in our beautiful setting. Enjoy crafts, rhymes and stories linked to the theme. Explore our light box and interactive toys and meet new friends, all whilst relaxing with a drink and a biscuit.
Story time will be under one of our beautiful stained glass windows.
Suitable for babies and children up to 5 years old
The session takes place in the museum gallery which is accessed via a stone spiral staircase of approximately 40 steps. Buggy park and toilet facilities available on the ground floor of the Cathedral.
Attendance is limited to one child/one adult per ticket.
Session times: 10:00-11:30
£3.00 per child which includes all craft materials and a drink and biscuit.
Suitable for ages: Under 5's
Contact: learning@stainedglassmuseum.com
details...
SG Minis June Animal Fun!
4 Jun. 2025 10:00-11:30
Event category: Family Activity
Price: £3 per child
Location: The Stained Glass Museum
Book
Come and join our toddler group on the first Wednesday of the month for informal fun in our beautiful setting. Enjoy crafts, rhymes and stories linked to the theme. Explore our light box and interactive toys and meet new friends, all whilst relaxing with a drink and a biscuit.
Story time will be under one of our beautiful stained glass windows.
Suitable for babies and children up to 5 years old
The session takes place in the museum gallery which is accessed via a stone spiral staircase of approximately 40 steps. Buggy park and toilet facilities available on the ground floor of the Cathedral.
Attendance is limited to one child/one adult per ticket.
Session times: 10:00-11:30
£3.00 per child which includes all craft materials and a drink and biscuit.
Suitable for ages: Under 5's
Contact: learning@stainedglassmuseum.com
details...
SG Minis July Knights and Dragons.
2 Jul. 2025 10:00-11:30
Event category: Family Activity
Price: £3 per child
Location: The Stained Glass Museum
Book
Come and join our toddler group on the first Wednesday of the month for informal fun in our beautiful setting. Enjoy crafts, rhymes and stories linked to the theme. Explore our light box and interactive toys and meet new friends, all whilst relaxing with a drink and a biscuit.
Story time will be under one of our beautiful stained glass windows.
Suitable for babies and children up to 5 years old.
The session takes place in the museum gallery which is accessed via a stone spiral staircase of approximately 40 steps. Buggy park and toilet facilities available on the ground floor of the Cathedral.
Attendance is limited to one child/one adult per ticket.
Session times: 10:00-11:30
£3.00 per child which includes all craft materials and a drink and biscuit.
Suitable for ages: Under 5's
Contact: learning@stainedglassmuseum.com
details...
Refunds & Cancellation Policy
For cancellations made more than 28 days in advance we offer a full refund or one free date change.
For cancellations made between 14 and 28 days in advance we will offer a 50% refund or allow one free date change.
For cancellations made less than 14 days in advance we are unable to offer a refund or date change on workshop places, although you are welcome to transfer the booking to someone else.
If a date change has already been requested we cannot offer a refund on a subsequent cancellation.
We are unable to refund workshops paid for using workshop vouchers.
Please bear in mind that the Stained Glass Museum is a charity and in order to operate successfully it’s important that we adhere to this policy.
Cancellation of courses by the Museum
Under rare or exceptional circumstances the Museum may have to cancel workshops. If a cancellation is necessary, we will do our utmost to contact you by phone or email as soon as possible before the workshop is held. You will be offered either a full refund or the option to transfer their booking to an alternative date/workshop.
Please note The Stained Glass Museum is not liable for any costs associated with travel or accommodation. Please bear this in mind when booking travel or accommodation in advance.
OPENING HOURS
Summer (1 April – 31 October)
Monday -Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm (last admission 4:30pm)
Winter (1 November – 31 March)
Monday -Saturday 10:00am – 4:00pm (last admission 3:30pm)
Monday -Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm (last admission 4:30pm)
Winter (1 November – 31 March)
Monday -Saturday 10:00am – 4:00pm (last admission 3:30pm)
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