National Glass Centre — Attraction in Sunderland

Excellent attraction situated on the banks of the River Wear in Sunderland that details the history of Glass Making in Sunderland and showcases some breathtaking glass art. There is an informative exhibition about the history of glass making in Sunderland detailing how it all started shortly after the Roman era and also details the companies that started the glass making in Sunderland in the industrial through to the peak of glass production and then its decline in later years. As you walk through the history of glass making exhibition you will some outstanding examples that were produced from glass plates through to glass bottles with names inscribed on them. There is another gallery shows some breathtaking glass art sculptures that have been created by two different artists and some of the sculpture creations are the finest examples as the different use of colour schemes is outstanding and the way they have been sculpted is spectacular. There are some interesting pieces of information that you can read about them. There are two galleries to visit one of which is the contemporary art gallery and the other is artists who have had links to the University of Sunderland. Visitors can also enjoy glass blowing demonstrations and even partake in the activity itself, which imagine is great fun The gift shop on site has some beautiful pieces of glass art for sale but they are very pricey so be prepared to dip into purse or wallet. Overall a nice attraction to spend an hour or so and view some...

I visited this national treasure with my mate 82 year old Frank Usher whose first job after leaving school was an office runner at Cornings Pyrex factory at the south end of the Queen Alexander bridge over the river Wear who was deeply saddened to learn the narrow minded campus management of Sunderland University intend to demolish the building within a year and a half.

We watched a glass blowing demonstration where a really talented young female displayed skills that will.be lost forever unless an intervention takes place to prevent this amazing venue being closed down simply because the university campus management team lack the vision to allow the venue to be used to host private functions that would generate enough income to allow the facility to be self financing

So if you feel as we do register an online petition on a site called change.org demanding a review into its planned demolishment that once the petition reaches 100 000 signatures the matter must be reviewed in the houses of Parliament who have the power to overturn the intention of the Sunderland University facilities campus...

Wheelchair and child friendly place to visit within Sunderland University grounds. It has a gallery showing modern art pieces made of glass. The gentleman 'curator' was extremely knowledgeable and very friendly. There is a 'museum' area that shows the history of glass. The information was easy to read and understand. They had a room that they were using for a craft activity for children. My favourite part was a glassblowing demonstration where 2 lovely guys produced a glass multicoloured vase. The restaurant was good quality but maybe a little on the expensive side. The shop had a wide variety of glass items as well as other souvenirs to suit all budgets. The toilets are clean and there is a disabled one available too. This centre is fully accessible and all the staff are friendly and helpful. Well worth a look visit. We took a walk along the Riverside after where you can see some interesting sculptures. The National Glass Centre runs a great variety of glass and ceramic classes / workshops. Check the website and be sure to book in advance to guarantee a place. The classes are...