About

The museum opened in March 2016 after a great deal of work. Our single gallery on the ground floor exhibited the collection of studio glass handmade on the Isle of Wight. We also had a small shop. But our growing collection meant we soon ran out of space. Therefore, we moved everything to the first floor in January 2018.

In April 2018 we had completed a major redevelopment by opening a second gallery to showcase our Art Deco and Victorian glass collection. Other enhancements included a more exciting layout, storyboards and graphics, touch screen computers full of helpful information for visitors to use, and a library.

In September 2019 we opened a new shop and hired two retail staff. We offer a wide variety of glass, jewellery, books and other items to cater for many tastes. Our aim is to provide great products and excellent value for money. The shop is open 7 days per week.

There are over 1200 pieces on show, including many unique and never before seen pieces, in two galleries. These pictures were taken in May 2021.

Studio Glass Gallery

The Studio gallery, the larger of the two, focuses on the Isle of Wight’s many studio glass makers, particularly Isle of Wight Studio Glass, but also SculptGlass (Diamond Isle Sculptured Glass), Glory Art Glass and Alum Bay Glass as well as related studios such as Jonathan Harris Studio Glass. This gallery also has a stunning collection of Mdina glass made during the period when the Harris family were in Malta, between 1968 and 1972, many pieces signed by Michael Harris. Also, there are designs by Michael from the 1950s and when he was teaching at the Royal College of Art in London in the 1960s.

The museum is also building a collection of studio glass made by other British makers, such as Peter Layton, Pauline Solven, Karlin Rushbrooke, Nick Orsler, and Siddy Langley.

Art Deco Gallery

In our new gallery, opened in April 2018, we have a fascinating and growing collection of French, German and British Art Deco glass. The focus is on glass made or designed by/for Edmond Etling, Pierre D’Avesn, Verlys, Sabino, Jobling, Stuart Crystal, John Walsh Walsh and WMF.

Museum Shop