Unleash your creativity in a therapeutic glass fusing workshop hosted by Helen Cooper at Broadway Museum. Craft unique glass art pieces in a bright, inviting studio set in England’s picturesque Cotswold village.
Unleash your creativity in a therapeutic glass fusing workshop hosted by Helen Cooper at Broadway Museum. Craft unique glass art pieces in a bright, inviting studio set in England’s picturesque Cotswold village.
Book with Broadway Museum & Art Gallery
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Broadway Museum & Art Gallery · Broadway, England
Located in the charming Cotswold village of Broadway, England, Glass Fusion with Helen Cooper offers a captivating hands-on experience in the art of glass fusing. Hosted by The Butterfly Effect Studio inside the Broadway Museum & Art Gallery, this workshop welcomes beginners and creative enthusiasts alike to craft unique glass pieces in a welcoming, bright studio perched on the museum’s first floor. Set against the village’s historic backdrop, this session allows you to connect with a centuries-old craft that blends precision with artistic expression.
Glass fusing involves carefully scoring and breaking sheets of glass, then layering colorful fragments to create vibrant, handcrafted items. Helen Cooper, a skilled artist with over 25 years of teaching expertise, leads the class with patient guidance and an encouraging spirit, turning raw glass into beautiful drink stirrers, Christmas decorations, tealight holders, sun catchers, soap dishes, and even jewelry pieces. With every step—from shaping the glass to refining your designs—you’ll find the process strangely therapeutic, a calming blend of craft and creativity.
Participants receive all the necessary materials, from sheets and accessory glass to tools, alongside refreshing tea, coffee, and sweet treats that keep the atmosphere friendly and relaxed. After your artistic session (about 2.5 hours long), your creations are carefully packed and sent for firing at kiln temperatures exceeding 800 degrees Celsius, ensuring your pieces emerge strong and lustrous. Your finished glass art will be ready for collection at the Broadway Museum within 14 days.
This workshop stands out in the local arts scene for its combination of traditional techniques and modern design inspiration, making it a must-do for visitors exploring Broadway’s cultural offerings. The museum location places you in the heart of this historic village, where art and history intertwine seamlessly. While the session takes place upstairs (accessed only by stairs), it offers a bright, airy space filled with natural light—ideal for focusing on the intricate work.
Whether you’re on a relaxed day trip through the Cotswolds or searching for a unique local experience that nurtures creativity, Glass Fusion with Helen Cooper complements the outdoor charm of the area with indoor artistry. Book early to secure your spot, as spaces are limited to maintain a personal, hands-on experience. Parking is convenient, with nearby long stay car parks and a four-minute walk from Shear House.
Discover the rewarding joy of turning fragile glass shards into lasting keepsakes and immerse yourself in the distinctive crafting culture Broadway offers. This workshop isn’t just an activity; it’s a gateway into the traditions and artisanal spirit that define this quintessential English village.
easy.
2–3 hours.
No special fitness required; suitable for most ages 12 and up.
No experience is necessary; the workshop is beginner-friendly with step-by-step guidance.
You will create drink stirrers as an introduction and can make other items like decorations, tealight holders, sun catchers, or jewelry.
Participants must be at least 12 years old.
The session lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
No, your work is kiln-fired and will be ready to collect from the museum within 14 days.
Yes, long stay car parks including Shear House are within a short walking distance.
Broadway’s museum showcases the art and heritage of the Cotswolds, celebrating local crafts including historic glasswork.
The studio uses sustainably sourced glass sheets and encourages minimal waste practices in crafting.
Broadway Museum & Art Gallery is a local museum and art gallery in Broadway, England, presenting exhibitions, collections and a varied events programme that highlights regional history, craft and contemporary creativity. The venue offers public entry tickets alongside a busy schedule of ticketed experiences: hands-on workshops, specialist lectures, family activities, seasonal trails and fundraising events. Workshops and talks are delivered by visiting experts and local practitioners. Recent and recurring offerings include pottery sessions with Dave Short (Great Pottery Throw Down finalist), glass-fusion and printing workshops with Helen Cooper, an archaeology lecture on the Milestone Ground excavation by Jamie Wilkins, and a glass-focused lecture by Justine Hopkins. Practical craft classes cover collage, calligraphy, block printing, corn dolly making and low relief tile carving. Many sessions provide materials and refreshments: the summer collage workshop supplies all materials and a light lunch, and the modern calligraphy session includes a personal kit and treats. Pottery pieces created during classes are decorated, fired and available for later collection from the gallery. Seasonal programming includes Christmas grotto trails, Father Christmas events and late-night shopping with themed trails. The museum supports local artists, stewardship of local heritage and community learning through accessible, hands-on experiences for families, visitors and craft enthusiasts.
Book with Broadway Museum & Art Gallery