Save The World of Glass

Aim: The World of Glass is at risk of closure #Savetheworldofglass

The World of Glass in St Helens at Risk of Closure – Urgent Public Appeal 

One of Merseyside’s most treasured cultural landmarks, The World of Glass, is celebrating its 25th anniversary while at the same time facing imminent closure unless £50,000 is raised in the next 3 months.

We have launched this campaign to secure the charity’s future. Without your support we will close our doors.

The World of Glass is more than just a museum. It’s a living tribute to St Helens’ industrial legacy and a vital hub for education, community events, and heritage preservation. 

⁠“This museum tells the story of our town, our families, and our future,” said Director Sarah Taylor “We’re urging everyone who has ever visited, learned, or been inspired by this space to help save it. We’ve been in the centre of St Helens culture for the past 25 years and want to be around for the next 25 and beyond.” 

The museum has welcomed over 1 million visitors since opening in 2000 and serves thousands of local schoolchildren each year. It’s an independent charity that offers free cultural and education experiences including historic furnaces, hands-on exhibits, and live glassblowing. It is truly a one-of-a-kind UK experience and hidden gem in the centre of St Helens.

Despite all this the World of Glass has been struggling in recent years to secure the income needed to keep open and free to the public. This is due to:

● Rising costs that all organisations are currently facing e.g. significant increases in staffing costs, overheads and energy costs

● Increased competition for funding in the charity sector

The World of Glass has an exciting opportunity to aim for in 2026. The International Festival of Glass (ifg.org.uk) will be hosted in St Helens for the very first time. The Glass Art Society (GAS) (Glass Art Society – Glass Art Society) has invited The World of Glass to partner with them to deliver the International Festival of Glass and the British Glass Biennale in 2026, bringing in 10K visitors to St Helens from across the globe.

GAS is an international organisation based in the United States. It has a connected, inspired and empowering all facets of the global glass community since 1971. Their Annual GAS Conference brings together glass makers, curators, educators, suppliers, and more from around the world to celebrate glass art in all its facets.

“When the Glass Art Society was selected to take over the International Festival of Glass, we knew we wanted to explore new ways to tell the UK glass story and opportunities to partner with even more of the talented artists working with glass. The World of Glass provides the perfect bridge between the country’s glass history and its place in the international contemporary glass scene. It is an absolute  cultural gem in the North West.” Brandi Clark, Executive Director, Glass Art Society.

These opportunities will help to secure the future of the World of Glass and support St Helens and the Liverpool City Region, but we need to keep our doors open and we can't do it without you.

How to Help

● ⁠Please donate here and earn one of our tiered rewards.

● ⁠Share your memories on social media using *#SaveWorldOfGlass*

We want to hear your stories whether that be about a loved one who worked as part of Pilkingtons or you visited as a child. Every story is important, we look forward to hearing them.

● Visit with your friends and family! Experience live glass blowing and buy a one-of-a-kind piece of glass in our shop

From the 1st July the World of Glass will be open Wed-Sun and Bank Holidays, 10-4pm. FREE entry, but with recommended donation of £3. FREE parking on Sundays and Bank Holidays. We have a full programme of events and activities going on throughout the summer visit us and help keep The World of Glass open!

About the World of Glass

The World of Glass is an independent charity (1006990), museum and art gallery which opened in St Helens 25 years ago as part of a visionary millennium project. We house a nationally significant glass collection and St Helens Council’s social and industrial history collection, the museum is home to the town’s library, vibrant community spaces, interactive galleries, meeting rooms, a café, shop and live glass blowing demonstrations. The site also includes one of the finest examples of a regenerative furnace in England, the Grade II* listed Tank House No. 9, a Scheduled Monument.

Prize Draw Terms & Conditions

1. Promoter
The prize draw is organised by The World of Glass [Chalon Way E, St Helens WA10 1BX]

2. Eligibility
Open to UK residents aged 18 or over.

3. How to Enter
To enter, make a donation of £10 or more via our Crowdfunder page. Each multiple of £10 counts as one entry (e.g. £30 = 3 entries).

4. Entry Period
Entries open on 1/7/2025 and close at 11:59pm on 30/09/2025. Entries received after this time will not be valid.

5. Prizes
Prizes include (glass experiences, curation and behind-the-scenes experience day, glass tile with name of choice, limited edition (1 of 10) 25th anniversary glass item . No cash alternatives.

6. Winner Selection
Winners will be chosen at random from all eligible entries and contacted via email within 7 days of the closing date. If a winner does not respond within 7 days, a new winner will be selected.

7. Publicity
By entering, you agree to your name being shared on our website and social media if you win, unless you request otherwise.

8. Data Protection
Personal data will be used solely for the purposes of administering the prize draw and will not be shared with third parties.

9. General
We reserve the right to cancel or amend the draw or these terms where necessary. By entering, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 22nd September 2025 at 1:27pm