Monday, March 31, 2014

Sunderland's National Glass Centre

Several weeks ago, Gina and I boarded a train to Newcastle for a travel bloggers conference.
We always manage to have a blast when we go off on an adventure together.

The conference was terrific and offered some great information and networking.
Newcastle was really fun and interesting.  I'd love to go back and explore more in depth.
The highlight of the weekend was a post-conference visit to the National Glass Centre in Sunderdland.

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

Located on the North Shore of River Wear, the Centre is a part of the University of Sunderland.  This is a place where artists, teachers, students and the community come together to share the beauty of contemporary glass.  A combination of studio, exhibit, museum and event space, there is plenty to do and see.

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

There's an really interesting exhibit that covers the history of glass blowing and in particular, the history of glass works in Sunderland.  There are also plenty of beautiful examples of contemporary glass.

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

The space is beautiful and open with lots of windows to let in the river views.
When you visit, you should plan to stay for a meal in their Brasserie.

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

This was one of the best Sunday Roasts I've had in England!  That Yorkshire Pudding is the size of my head.
Add in an old-fashioned Lemonade and you have the perfect meal.

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

The Centre has an exhibition program that offers first class glass and ceramic presentations.

The Oliver Goldsmith Collection is running through May 4th.
Here is the description from the National Glass Centre website...

"Think 20th Century icons. Grace Kelly. Colin Firth. Michael Caine in his signature black  spectacles. Audrey Hepburn in the big white glasses that framed her elfin face. Iconic style makers – Givenchy, Dior and Vidal Sassoon. Think cult films of the fifties & sixties. In the second half of last century, when it came to eyewear, Oliver Goldsmith was synonymous with stars and style."

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

"Featuring spectacle designs which enthralled a generation and photographs of the famous faces that wore them, this exhibition charts the progression of one of the most successful British spectacle design companies of the mid-twentieth century."

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

Princess Diana was one of their most famous clients.
The exhibition includes a line that was designed exclusively for the iconic figure.

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

Oliver Goldsmith is a family business that was founded in London in 1926.
They are responsible for taking glasses from a medical accessory to a fashion accessory.
Those fabulous sunglasses worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's?
An Oliver Goldsmith creation.

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

Gina was channeling her inner diva in this whimsical pair.
 Be sure to visit the gift shop.  It's full of fun stuff and beautiful collectibles.

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

If you live close by, check out their Have a Go! page. 
Wouldn't you love to make one of these pretty flower paperweights?
If I lived in Sunderland, I'd be there every chance I got.

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

The building even have a glass ceiling that you can walk on.
It's made of glass panes that are over two inches thick.

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

Speaking of "having a go", I can't wait to show you what else we did while we were at the
National Glass Centre.


How would you spend your day at the great place?



TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | SUBSCRIBE | BLOGLOVIN



  *As a participant in Traverse 14 and in partnership with NewcastleGateshead Initiative,
I was a guest of National Glass Centre.   All photos, writing and opinions are my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.


18 comments:

  1. I have always wanted to take a glass blowing class, I think it is such a beautiful form of art.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Fun to see all the eyewear worn by the famous! And cute Gina, as always!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Haha, that Yorkshire pudding is the biggest I have ever seen! Wowza!

    ReplyDelete
  4. So fun! What exactly is Yorkshire pudding?
    ~Ashley @ A Cute Angle
    acutelifestyle.blogspot.com
    *join the Monday Madness link up!*

    ReplyDelete
  5. Cool place and that lunch looks beyond amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love all the sunglasses...seems like a really neat trip. That lunch looks good too!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Such beautiful pieces! I love the Oliver Goldsmith exhibit especially. Sounds like a unique place to visit :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. So never tell a Geordie, ever, that you enjoyed anything in Sunderland. It is blasphemy! Also you should come up to Newcastle any time I am there - I can show you around and you can help me stay sane :) x

    ReplyDelete
  9. Our instructor says is very addictive, that once you start you want to do it all of the time. I can see that!

    ReplyDelete
  10. It was so yummy!!! They must cook them in a big bowl or something.

    ReplyDelete
  11. It's not a pudding at all. It's a very light batter of flour, egg and milk cooked in very hot oil that puffs up. It's crunchy on the outside and very light on the inside. So good with gravy!

    ReplyDelete
  12. It was so interesting. I've read about the company some more online since then and learned so much. Who knew?!?!

    ReplyDelete
  13. lol I really loved Newcastle. It had such a great feel to it. I think we going to try to go back when my dad & brother visit. I will definitely take you up on the offer as tour guide next time you're here!!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for commenting. I love to hear from you!