A beacon/landmark
for Stourbridge Junction Station
Commissioned by Centro
Historical context
The town of Stourbridge today has international recognition
as a centre for high quality glassware.
The glass industry in the Stourbridge area dates back
to the 17th century when refugee 'gentlemen glassmakers'
from Lorraine settled here attracted by the abundant
supplies of coal and clay for their melting pots. At
first they made window glass and bottles but in the
18th century following the invention of lead glass they
began producing the tableware and ornamental glass for
which Stourbridge has become world-famous.
The golden age of the Stourbridge glass industry was the 19th century when many new firms were established and new colours and decorating techniques pioneered locally.
