![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2_BRI_PG_210125blue_glass-225.jpg\")
Portrait of Bristol Blue Glass Blower David Barry inside the factory shop on Bath Road Brislington Bristol(Image: PAUL GILLIS \/ Reach PLC)<\/p>\n‘We are calling on Bristol City Council leaders to redouble their efforts to help save this business’Portrait of Bristol Blue Glass Blower David Barry inside the factory shop on Bath Road Brislington Bristol(Image: PAUL GILLIS \/ Reach PLC)<\/p>\n
A campaign has begun to save Bristol\u2019s last traditional blue glass works after the firm said they may have to close when they are forced to move from their current premises. Bristol Blue Glass was set up 38 years ago to revitalise the art of blue glass making, but the lease on their premises on the Bath<\/a> Road in Brislington<\/a> is expiring in February next year.<\/p>\n Bristol Live reported last month on the plight of the firm<\/a>, and now local councillor Andrew Varney (Lib Dem, Brislington) has launched a petition calling on the city council to do more<\/a> to find a new home for a firm that is synonymous with the city.<\/p>\n Bristol Blue Glass was one of the things Bristol was known for throughout the world in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the city\u2019s Hackney Cab taxis are painted blue because of the famous blue glass created in the city. But the last remaining firm faces an uncertain future, when it effectively becomes homeless<\/a> in just three months\u2019 time.<\/p>\n “Bristol Blue Glass was founded by my husband, James Adlington, in 1988, with the vision of revitalising glassmaking in Bristol,\u201d explained managing director Suzanne Adlington. \u201cOver the years, we have built an international reputation for our distinctive glassware, all while navigating economic downturns, pandemics, and various challenges.<\/p>\n \u201cOur craft is unique, and we are passionate about preserving a traditional trade that is rapidly disappearing in today\u2019s fast-paced, media-driven world. We are seeking a permanent home, ideally in central Bristol, to ensure our continued existence. Being highly visible in the community is vital for our survival and for passing this treasured craft on to future generations. Your support can help preserve this important part of Bristol\u2019s cultural and artistic heritage,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n The petition, set up by Cllr Varney<\/a>, has is approaching 1,500 signatures in just the first couple of days, with people all over the world signing up. Cllr Varney said: \u201cWhen we think of Bristol, we think of Brunel, Banksy, Bridges, Balloons, and of course Bristol Blue Glass. The iconic blue glass, famous all over the world, has been produced in our city for centuries and the current company has been making glass in the traditional way since 1988.<\/p>\n “Unfortunately, the lease on their premises on Bath Road in Brislington is not being renewed and they need to move out by February 2026. However, a new site is proving difficult to find,\u201d he added. Bristol Live reported in April that the firm were in talks for a move to a new home<\/a>, but those have fallen through and now an urgent search is on to find new premises quickly.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Historic ‘Bristol blue glass’ company may shut after being evicted<\/a>READ MORE: Iconic Bristol Blue Glass ‘in talks’ for new home<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWe are calling on Bristol City Council<\/a> leaders to redouble their efforts to help save this business. Bristol without Bristol Blue Glass is unthinkable,\u201d Cllr Varney added.<\/p>\n The firm closed its shop in the High Street in the centre of Bristol at the start of this year<\/a>, but the workshop near Arnos Vale has been thriving and a firm part of the visitor experience for tourists to Bristol, as the workshop offers tours to see the glass being blown and crafted every day.<\/p>\n The general manager is David Barry, who has been working there for 16 years. \u201cI feel totally honored and privileged to have spent my adult life so far, working for such a unique and wonderful company,\u201d he said. \u201cTo be able to come to work everyday and love your job is very rare, and I hate to think that my career as a professional glass blower may be forced to come to an end.<\/p>\n \u201cI have spent thousands and thousands of hours perfecting these ancient skills, I live and breathe the material of molten glass. Training apprentices is very important to me, as I value greatly the opportunity to pass on this unique skill, and to keep the tradition of Bristol Glass alive.<\/p>\n \u201cTo see this collective of talent we share at Bristol Blue Glass broken up absolutely breaks my heart, we are such a close knit team of people, and all so passionate about this craft,\u201d he added. \u201cOur product is amazing, our brand is amazing and so are those involved.<\/p>\n READ MORE: In pictures – how Bristol Blue Glass will continue as store closes<\/a><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/0_BRI_PG_210125blue_glass-6.jpg\")
(Image: PAUL GILLIS \/ Reach PLC)<\/p>\n