Half-Day Glassblowing
Experience in London

Create two unique pieces with help from our artists

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Introductory Glassblowing Classes for Beginners

Take part in a hands-on glassblowing experience at one of Europe's foremost glass art galleries and longest-running hot glass studios, located in the heart of London. We'll guide you as you get a rare opportunity to explore the ancient craft of hot glass at an active furnace, which our own artists use daily.

Our half-day glassblowing experience is tailored for complete beginners. Guided by our skilled studio team, you will learn how molten glass moves and transforms while creating two unique pieces to take home.

What Awaits You in the Studio

London Glassblowing provides an authentic learning environment set within a professional studio. As one of the country’s most respected centres for contemporary glass, we offer all the below and more:

- A working hot shop

- Instruction from practising artists with years of experience

- A central London location known for craft and creativity

- An intimate setting with only two participants per session for maximum hands-on time

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What Will You Learn?

During your glassblowing experience, your tutor will begin with a demonstration that introduces the tools, techniques and safety essentials needed for working with molten glass. Under close supervision, you will learn how to shape the glass through contemporary techniques through turning, stretching, centring and blowing, gaining confidence in:

- Using the blowing iron

- Working with heat, movement and timing

- Applying colour

- Forming and shaping both solid and blown forms

Sessions run from

10am - 1pm or 2pm - 5pm on Saturdays only and the experience costs £500 per person.


Available dates

December availability: 
6 December: Afternoon (2 slots available)

2026 availability: 
10 January: Morning (2 slots available) | Afternoon (2 slots available)

24 January: Morning (1 slot available) | Afternoon (2 slots available)

7 February: Morning (2 slots available) | Afternoon (1 slot available)

14 February - Valentine's Couples Glassblowing Experience:
Morning (2 slots available) | Afternoon (2 slots available)

For March and April dates see our FAQs below

What You Will Make

During your glassblowing experience, you will create two pieces.

1. Solid glass paperweight

2. Blown vessel such as a drinking glass or small vase

You will have complete freedom in choosing your own colours and designs for both pieces, so every creation is entirely personal. Finished works are usually around 1kg in weight each, but this will vary depending on your chosen form.

Each session is limited to only two participants, ensuring generous one to one guidance and a significant amount of active making time. In a three hour experience each participant usually has between one and one and a half hours of hands on work. Watching your partner is also an important part of your learning as you see each step from a different angle.

GLASSBLOWING CLASSES

Hands-On Glass Shaping

Our Glassblowing Class Tutors

Harriet Thorne

Harriet, or Harri as she is affectionately known, joined London Glassblowing in 2021. Having achieved her MA from Sunderland University she has worked in various studios around the United Kingdom, including the National Glass Centre in Sunderland and Bath Aqua Glass. She is a versatile and enthusiastic glassblowing assistant, ably applying her skills and creativity to the task in hand.

Daisy Parkinson

Daisy joined London Glassblowing in 2022, initially for work experience in our studio. Her natural talent and enthusiasm left an imprint, and she was offered a position as an assistant before completing her degree at UCA. In her own artistic practice, Daisy focuses on the technique of mould-blowing. Daisy has become an invaluable member of our team and we can't wait to see her artistic practice develop.

After Your Session

Once your session concludes, your two pieces will be annealed and professionally finished by our team.

They will be ready for collection one week later during gallery opening hours. UK shipping is available for £20 if you prefer to have your pieces posted.

For more details or to book please contact us as soon as possible.

Email: becky@londonglassblowing.co.uk

Telephone: +44 (0) 207 870 2750

Everything you need to know about our glassblowing experiences...

FAQs

What is your upcoming booking availability?

Please see our December availability below: 

  • 6 December: Afternoon (2 slots available)

Please see our 2026 dates below: 

  • 10 January: Morning (2 slots available) | Afternoon (2 slots available)
  • 24 January: Morning (1 slot available) | Afternoon (2 slots available)

  • 7 February: Morning (2 slots available) | Afternoon (2 slots available)
  • 14 February: Morning (2 slots available) | Afternoon (2 slots available)

  • 7 March: Morning (2 slots available) | Afternoon (2 slots available)
  • 21 March: Morning (2 slots available) | Afternoon (2 slots available)

  • 11 April: Morning (2 slots available) | Afternoon (2 slots available)
  • 25 April: Morning (2 slots available) | Afternoon (2 slots available)
Do I need to have glassblowing experience to participate?

Not at all, our half-day glassblowing workshop is designed for complete beginners. No previous experience is needed.

How long is each session?

Each experience will last three hours and runs either 10:00 to 13:00 or 14:00 to 17:00 on Saturdays.

How many people are in each class?

Sessions are limited to two participants to ensure plenty of hands-on time and personal guidance.

What will I make?

You will create two pieces: a solid glass paperweight and a blown vessel such as a glass or vase. You can choose your colours and design.

How far in advance do I need to book?

Due to popularity, sessions book up four to six months in advance, so early booking is recommended.

Gift vouchers are also available.

Are there accessibility issues for the glassblowing classes?

The workshop will involve working near heat and requires physical mobility as you will be moving around the studio, sitting and standing at various stages.

Participants must also be 18 years or older.

Please let us know in advance if you have a serious health condition or physical disability so we can discuss whether the experience is suitable.

What is included in the price?

Your fee will include:

- All tuition

- All materials and tooling

- Professional finishing of both pieces

- Tea or coffee on arrival

- All required safety equipment

Which payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major payment methods and full payment is taken at the time of booking.

Do you offer gift vouchers?

Yes, gift vouchers are available.

Booking Form

Please provide your contact details and preferred date and we will get back to you to confirm your place.