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Nearly 3,000 people sign petition to ‘save’ historic glassmakers
Nearly 3,000 people have signed a petition to “save” a decades-old glassmaking establishment in Bristol from impending closure.
The signatories are calling on Bristol City Council to “redouble their efforts” in finding a new home for Bristol Blue Glass, as the lease for their current site in Brislington runs out in February 2026 and is not being renewed.
With a new site “proving difficult to find” and calling a Bristol without the glassmaking pioneers “unthinkable”, petition starter councillor Andrew Varney has urged other city councillors for their support.
The lease for Bristol Blue Glass’ site in Brislington runs out in February 2026 and is not being renewed
Founded in 1988 by James Adlington to “re-establish” glassmaking as a tradition in the city, Bristol Blue Glass has since created countless masterpieces from its studio on Bath Road.
Managing director and James’ wife, Suzanne Adlington said: “Over the years, we have built an international reputation for our distinctive glassware, all while navigating economic downturns, pandemics, and various challenges.
“Our craft is unique, and we are passionate about preserving a traditional trade that is rapidly disappearing in today’s fast-paced, media-driven world.
“We are seeking a permanent home, ideally in central Bristol, to ensure our continued existence. Being highly visible in the community is vital for our survival and for passing this treasured craft on to future generations.
“Your support can help preserve this important part of Bristol’s cultural and artistic heritage.”
Bristol Blue Glass previously traded from a shop on High Street in the city centre, which closed in January 2025.
Having spent 16 years at Bristol Blue Glass, general manager and hot shop manager David Barry admits that the possibility of the shop’s “close-knit” team parting ways is heartbreaking.
Barry said: “I feel totally honoured and privileged to have spent my adult life so far, working for such a unique and wonderful company.
“To be able to come to work every day and love your job is very rare, and I hate to think that my career as a professional glass blower may be forced to come to an end.
“I have spent thousands and thousands of hours perfecting these ancient skills. I live and breathe the material of molten glass.
“Training apprentices is very important to me, as I greatly value the opportunity to pass on this unique skill and to keep the tradition of Bristol Blue Glass alive.
“To see this collective of talent we share at Bristol Blue Glass broken up absolutely breaks my heart. We are such a close-knit team of people, and all so passionate about this craft.
“Our product is amazing, our brand is amazing and so are those involved.
“When you think of Bristol, you think of the SS Great Britain, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, our historic dockyards and of course Bristol Blue Glass.
“We have visitors coming from all over the world to see our team of glass blowers making our perfectly imperfect product completely by hand, just like how it would have been done 2000 years ago.
“Bristol will not be the same without this historic company at the beating heart of this City.
“On behalf of the whole team, we thank you for your time listening and we live in hope that you may be able to help.”
All photos: Joana Santos
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