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Bristol Blue Glass announces permanent closure
Just as it seemed the future had been secured for one of Bristol’s most cherished artisan glassmakers, its permanent closure has been announced.
Bristol Blue Glass on Bath Road, has experienced a turbulent few months since late 2025, when it was revealed its lease would not be renewed and its residency would end in February.
A petition launched by councillor Andrew Varney had more than 7,000 signatures, gathering strong public support to secure the company’s future.
Relief followed when it was confirmed that new premises had been secured “around Bristol Harbourside”, with plans to relocate both the kiln and showroom to a more central location.
Bristol Blue Glass was founded in 1988 and has been crafting its flagship Bristol blue glass items
However, despite these efforts, the company has now announced its closure after 38 years as a mainstay of the city’s artisan scene.
In a statement, the company said: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the permanent closure of Bristol Blue Glass.
“Despite our passion and efforts, the ongoing challenges have simply become insurmountable for a small business like ours.”
The business thanked Andrew Varney, Bristol City Council and members of the public for their support in helping secure new premises, but said a combination of factors ultimately proved decisive.
These included the ill health of the managing directors, rising fuel costs linked to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, increased rent and the cost of refurbishing the new site.
The company also pointed to what it described as the government’s handling of small businesses.
They added: “The challenges stem largely from the government’s appalling treatment of small businesses, their lack of leadership, and the high tax burden that makes operating a manufacturing business more like an expensive hobby than a sustainable livelihood.”
At the kiln at the back of the showroom, aspiring glassmakers learnt from master glass blowers
As the business drew to a close, it paid tribute to the community that had supported it over nearly four decades.
“To everyone who supported us along the way, thank you. Your encouragement and loyalty has meant the world. We are grateful for the memories and the community we’ve built.”
Andrew Varney said: “I am so sorry that national and international circumstances conspired against us. Promoting your plight and helping to secure new premises last year was one of my proudest achievements.
“I’m sorry you weren’t able to make it over this final hurdle.”
Bristol blue glass traces its origins back to the 18th century, before being rediscovered and revived in 1988 by James Adlington and his wife Suzanne.
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The company had operated from its current Bath Road site for 12 years, alongside a shop in the Old City which closed in January 2025.
Its closure marks the end of a chapter in Bristol’s artistic and industrial heritage, a legacy that once saw its flagship blue glass exported to four corners of the world.
The closure of Bristol Blue Glass marks the end of a chapter in Bristol’s artistic and industrial heritage
The showroom and workshop will close at the end of May when the lease runs out.
All photos: Milan Perera
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