Over the past weeks, our campaign to Save the National Glass Centre has grown from a shared concern into a powerful, united movement—one that has been strengthened every single day by your voices, your presence, and your unwavering belief that this iconic place must remain at the heart of Sunderland’s cultural life. We want to thank every one of you who has stood with us, both in person and online. Your commitment is the reason this campaign has momentum, visibility, and hope.
A Night That Made History
On Wednesday 19th November, more than 120 supporters braved the stormy weather to attend the open meeting at City Hall. The turnout was nothing short of inspiring. It was a clear demonstration that the people of Sunderland care deeply about the future of the National Glass Centre—enough to show up, speak up, and stand together.
The presentation delivered by our campaign team was thorough, well-evidenced, and transparent. It laid out the complex challenges surrounding the future of the Centre in a way that was accessible and honest, and it showed—beyond any doubt—that there are better choices than simply letting the NGC slip away.
Council leader Michael Mordey listened carefully throughout the meeting. Yet, despite the strength of evidence and the passion in the room, he appeared unmoved. That makes our next steps even more vital.
Taking the Fight Forward
In response to the meeting, our remarkable campaigner CB has put together two crucial documents to help every one of us take action:
An open letter that supporters can share widely
A specially crafted action list for the council leader
Both documents are available for download here. Please share them, sign them, send them—every message counts. Every signature counts. Every voice counts.
Together, We Are Impossible to Ignore
The future of the National Glass Centre is far too important to leave to quiet decisions behind closed doors. Our city deserves transparency, creativity, ambition—and above all, respect for the cultural institutions that shape who we are.
Thank you for continuing to show up. Thank you for speaking out. Thank you for believing that Sunderland deserves to keep its world-class centre of creativity, education, and innovation.
This campaign is far from over—but with your support, it is stronger than ever. Keep sharing. Keep talking. Keep pushing. Together, we will make sure that the National Glass Centre’s light does not go out.
On behalf of our campaign group, “Save the National Glass Centre”, we extend our warmest congratulations on your recent appointment as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. We were heartened to hear your speech at the Royal Television Society recognising the importance of the creative industries outside of London and noting that Jonathan Reynolds, no stranger to Sunderland, is putting the creative industries at the centre of your industrial strategy. As you said, “Talent is everywhere but jobs are not”. It was kind of you to mention the beauty of Sunderland in relation to the filmmaking industry, and the same can certainly be said of Sunderland’s longstanding glass making industry.
As publicly speaking out is “critical to a healthy, functioning democracy” we, the people, are appealing to you directly in an open letter…
Save the National Glass Centre
Stop the University from breaking the glass heart of Sunderland
Immediate action is required to prevent the loss of Sunderland’s much loved “world-class cultural asset”.
Our calls for action are,
An immediate stop is put to the University of Sunderland’s closure, demolition and relocation plans for the National Glass Centre (NGC).
An independent review into the situation is commissioned to establish the facts and consider alternatives other than demolition and the destruction of our internationally renowned, unique cultural asset.
That the people who care for, use, value, cherish and, let’s face it, have collectively paid for the NGC are central to the decision-making process.
That our campaign group are given the opportunity to present our evidence-based solutions which can ensure a sustainable future for our NGC, for our glassmaking cultural heritage and, most importantly, for our future generations.
Although the NGC is currently under the ownership of the university it was conceived as a public asset central to the regeneration of that area of Sunderland. It was paid for and supported by several organisations but principally British and European taxpayers. The university assumed full ownership through the collaboration of Arts Council England (ACE) and Sunderland Council.
The university has shown “violent indifference” to our exceptional cultural and educational venue and has decided to demolish the NGC thereby ending 1350 years of glassmaking in Sunderland. The decision was taken using biased, partial evidence. There was no public consultation, no reference to the fate of the complex cultural ecosystem surrounding the NGC and no consideration of the economic damage caused by the loss of the approximately 230000 visitors the NGC used to host annually (source: Sunderland Culture). Since the shock announcement 18 months ago, there is still no coherent plan to save and relocate the many and varied creative activities housed within the building, including the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art. Millions of pounds of embodied public funds will disappear if the university is successful in its development plans.
Save the National Glass Centre
We are a group of local and nationally based people with a wide variety of experiences and professional qualifications. Collectively, we believe that the NGC can survive and thrive if the community, politicians, other interested organisations and the university work together in a spirit of positive engagement to create an ambitious, sustainable future. We are determined to challenge the averted gaze and lack of curiosity that has characterised the response of the public office holders accountable and answerable for this matter. As of this date, our elected representatives, Councillors and Members of Parliament, have been unsuccessful in holding the university to account so we are appealing to you directly as a group with the backing of over 35700 petitioners from 72 countries.
As a campaign group we have assembled a comprehensive evidence base containing many deeply troubling facts and unanswered questions, and we would welcome the opportunity to discuss this situation with you.
Your predecessors at the DCMS have been made aware of this matter, following enquiries from HRH King Charles and local politicians. In October 2023 Lord Parkinson wrote,
“…this is very much a live issue so we do not believe launching an inquiry would be productive at this stage.”
Do we have to wait until after the destruction of the National Glass Centre before this scandal is examined?
We await your response with anticipation,
Yours sincerely,
Signed on behalf of the Campaign to Save the National Glass Centre.
By Jo Howell Sunderland based photographic artist and save the National glass centre activist
Save the National Glass Centre needs you to share the petition!
2024 marks 1350 years of glass making on the banks of the river Wear. A humongous triumph to be celebrated.
Yet there is silence.
The cathedral for glass is no longer permitted to shine with pride. This is a great tragedy that we have the power to stop.
Glass heritage on the river Wear, St Peter’s
We need radical change. Right now. To stop the cultural vandalism that is going to be inflicted on Sunderland. The City builds towards net zero and digital infrastructure whilst denying the people their authentic cultural identity.
Now is not the time to divest in our unique skills and throw away more than a millennium of prestige. As we move away from plastic towards sustainability we need to be investigating the potential of glass in future technologies.
The City is enjoying success for the local film industry after the chancellors budget announcement allows for the Crown Studios to go ahead. It seems crass to allow the decline and disappearance of a unique building with such specialist artisans inside. Let me propose a UK blown away! Let me suggest that we may need glass for props in period dramas and science fiction productions.
The National Glass Centre 2024
We are a City of scientists, artists, engineers and innovators. Let’s innovate and not capitulate ❤️
Our campaign is still here and we think it’s time to supercharge it to maximum effect. Whilst we are extremely proud and grateful for every single one of you. That’s 33,000 inclusive of our local paper based petition. We want 100,000 of you on board so we can take this to government level.
I know you all agree to the vital part that the National Glass Centre has played in all of your lives is worth saving. Whether you live in one of the 78 signing countries, or right on the doorstep this legacy means something to all of you.
Please get sharing across social media ❤️ the longer we wait the harder the fight will be. Let’s get a wriggle on!
All our heartfelt thanks from everyone at
Save the National Glass Centre campaign
If you can help further please email us. We are calling all hands on deck ❤️
Save the National Glass Centre campaigner Keith Brown explains
On the 8th of December 2022 the University of Sunderland announced its shocking decision to close the National Glass Centre (the NGC) on the banks of the river Wear in Sunderland.
The campaign to reverse that decision and to keep the NGC open in some form is gathering momentum. Campaigners have highlighted the NGC’s iconic architectural status; the devastating cultural and artistic impact of the NGC’s work, not only upon Sunderland but also upon the north-east and the entire UK. People need to be made aware that the cost of repairs widely broadcast by the University are grossly inflated.
MA exhibition photography by Gill Helps
Well-over 31,000 people have signed a petition against its closure and demolition. Campaigners are now calling for more people to help save the award-winning NGC, cited as a “World-class cultural asset” in Sunderland council’s 2021 UK City of Culture bid. The campaign already involves many local people, and also receives support from key national bodies.
Renowned international architect Piers Gough in the 20th Century Journal has said that
“Sunderland cannot afford to lose such an icon. It would seem ideal for a forward-looking University to use or repurpose, but should it be superfluous another more appreciative owner should be found.” He also stated that “the NGC references Sunderland’s shipbuilding heritage as well as glass making past, making this unique building special to its particular location. It is the best and most apposite 21st Century Building of the region“.
Architect Piers Gough in the 20th Century Journal
The 20th Century Society (C20) , the professional organisation which saves endangered buildings, has sought independent advice from experts in building lifespan and sustainability. They have cast doubts on the figures quoted for repair and renovation.
“condemning this landmark building that’s barely 25 years old and in the process losing one of the few purpose built glass blowing facilities in the country, is unconscionable“.
C20’s article 21.6.23
Architecture photography by Gill Helps
In 2000, the Design Council awarded this unique building Millenium Product Status in recognition of its creativity and environmental approach. The building also received commendations from the Craft Council, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the DTI.
The National Glass Centre is owned and maintained by the University. Sir David Bell, the vice chancellor and chief executive stated in May 2023 they could close it as early as 2025, he also stated, without any prior consultation, that the National Glass Centre will be demolished.
The building sits adjacent to the University campus where the University is planning to undertake significant capital works over the next five years. This suggests it intended all along to expand onto the NGC site.
National Glass Centre photography by Gill Helps
The University’s Intention to demolish and redevelop, releasing embodied carbon in the process, is the wrong decision given the concern over accelerating climate change. Retro fitting is by far the best solution. This academic institution should focus on STEM subjects and treat The National Glass Centre as a case study for sustainability and growth rather than managed decline and potential destruction.
The repair costs of £45m broadcast by the University are now widely believed. How the costs can be so high for what essentially should be the refurbishment of the existing building needs further clarification by the University because such an inflated figure is guaranteed to deter any potential funders.
The published costs are not for repair alone, but for an array of other enhancements including replacing the entire roof (solid & glazed) all the glass curtain walling, installing photovoltaic panels, and replacing all the mechanical and electrical systems. Even with these enhancements the reported figure appears seriously inflated, particularly when the construction cost for Culture House, a brand new building in the centre of the city, is reported as being £25m.
MA exhibition photography by Gill Helps
Retired planning inspector David Vickery wrote in a recent campaign article: “Sunderland City Hall was completed in November 2021 costing £42m (which is £3 million less) and for that £42 million Sunderland got two large glass and steel office blocks, one of five storeys high and the other of six storeys (190,000 square feet), both buildings connected by a glass atrium. How can it cost £45 million just to repair a roof?”
Early in 2023, the campaign gave the University a Freedom of Information request to enquire how the University had come to their decision to close the National Glass Centre.
In March 2023 the University published documents online, showing the consultation that they had based their decision on.
The campaign followed up by meeting in person with executives from the University on 22.06.23. (The day of the public meeting at Saint Peter’s church.) During this meeting the campaign requested access to all of the NGC’s maintenance records.
Save the National Glass Centre public meeting photography by Phil Vickery
In August, the University stated via email that the FOI was not received, the campaign issued a new FOI request on the 14th of August ’23 (FOI 2323/0814).
The University said they were gifted the NGC when it was 12 years old, however the land registry document appears to show they were given it for no recorded price when it was only 8 years old, (GOV.UK Title register for: National Glass Centre, title number: TY454590).
There is no doubt that the University has struggled to maintain the NGC, a fact that was recently noted in its Future Strategy Statement.
Also the University’s Head of Estates stated in 2013 ” the centre has suffered as a business and its maintenance regime hasn’t been as robust as it could have been.” Since then, the exterior has further deteriorated under their stewardship.
” The centre has suffered as a business and its maintenance regime hasn’t been as robust as it could have been.”
Future Strategy Statement. The University’s Head of Estates stated in 2013
Sadly, the deterioration and destruction continues and in January 2023, due to some corrosion and safety concerns the University removed and rapidly disposed of the massive heat sink (brise soleil) which was a superb and crucial design feature on the front of this monumental building.
National Glass Centre photography by Gill Helps
In addition, in 2013 the NGC received £2.5m for an internal refit. This grant aided alteration allowed the University to move their glass and ceramics course into the NGC, also Sunderland Council moved the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art into the building. Two property moves that achieved substantial ongoing financial gains for the University and in particular Sunderland Council.
Opened on the 23rd of October 1998 by Prince Charles, now our King, this iconic building encompasses a vast array of crucial delights: substantial visitor experiences and facilities; brilliant collections and exhibition spaces; the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art; workspaces for the academic courses, the tenanted artists’ studios; and the specialist facilities for the creation of ceramic and glass artwork – all housed within the building. Plus, there are numerous creative and constructive magical children’s workshops, some where children see their designs being cast in molten glass.
Also this extensive and marvelous property used to occasionally be used for weddings, and could actually accommodate many special events if properly managed and promoted.
National Glass Centre photography by Jo Howell
We cannot afford to let this delightful institution go, not just for the enjoyment of locals and many visitors, or even for its national and international status promoting glass and the Arts… but for the cultural heritage of our future generations.
Amid this tangled tale let us not forget that Sunderland is the birthplace of stained glass in the UK; The National Glass Centre can have a viable future and should be allowed to continue the tradition of glass making that was first started here in 674AD.
Please come and visit this unique wonderful place and see why it must be saved.
We strongly urge the University of Sunderland to reconsider their plans, and for local and national politicians to become actively involved. And you can help by supporting the campaign:
The National Glass Centre is open for business and Save the National Glass Centre campaign wants you to show your love ❤️
BBC reports this morning about the impact of levelling upon North East arts projects. The article draws attention to the lack of footfall to many of our cultural organisations. It’s apparent that the cost of living crisis has become an overwhelming factor of everyday life. Decisions about your weekly budget have to be made carefully. And, at the moment, bus fare and lunch is a stretch too far for far too many.
Many organisations like the Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle are struggling to survive – with audiences failing to return to pre-Covid levels and a lack of local authority support. How is Arts Council funding distributed and how effectively is the government moving spending outside London?
By Richard Moss Political editor, North East & Cumbria
Most of our cultural organisations offer free entry, and often have free workshops or events. The National Glass Centre is one of these fantastic places. Sunderland University wants to eventually demolish the building, and they are ‘considering’ future options for the entire St Peter’s site. The campaign to save the National Glass Centre flies in the face of the current position of Sunderland University, Sunderland City Council, and local labour MPs. We have an extremely tall order to sway these main oppositions around to our way of thinking.
Delicious coffee and excellent views at the National Glass Centre
We are not going to be able to do that if the National Glass Centre doesn’t have enough footfall. The opposition have already won, if we aren’t visibly using the assets we already have. The campaign wants the National Glass Centre to stay, and be the amazing treasure that it is, for future generations. So, it starts today with you choosing to pop in for a coffee, or to watch a demonstration, to buy something from the shop, to take a workshop, or to enjoy an exhibition.
The National Glass Centre is open for you. Let’s keep it that way by visiting it! Check out the list of workshops and exhibitions on their website:
See the sea exhibition 2022 at National Glass Centre
In other news, the amazing Piers Gough, award winning master architect has sent us a message of support. Piers Gough was a great supporter of the National Glass Centre as an excellent example of one of the first buildings of its kind. Read his statement below:
The National Glass Centre does so many thing so right. It exploits the sloping topography between Roker Terrace and the Wear by inviting the visitor straight onto the roof to first get a sense of the panoramic setting. Whilst entry to the building, signalled by two soaring chimneys, is invitingly sliced into the slope [in the manner of the great Oscar Niemeyer] The roof of course turns out to be a tour de force of glazing giving a unique birds’ eye view of the spaces below. The multi function interiors are inviting, spectacular, well lit and flexible enough to allow for many existing and future uses. The lowest level space opens seamlessly onto the quayside from where the whole building can be perceived as akin to a glass aircraft carrier including its quirky below deck control turret. This reference to Sunderland’s ship building heritage as well as glass making past makes this unique building special to its particular location. It is the best and most apposite 21st century building of the region.’
‘Sunderland cannot afford to lose such an icon. It would seem ideal for a forward looking university to use or repurpose but should it be superfluous another more appreciative owner should be found.’
Glide around St Peters church, the birthplace of stained glass once the Romans left. Video by Phil Vickery
On a balmy summer night on 22nd June 2023, Sunderland citizens came from all across the city to St Peter’s church. This was the first public meeting of the save the National glass centre campaign. We had 30 people book through our eventbrite, but closer to 100 actually attended.
During the week I had visited Sunderland central MP Julie Elliott. I had invited JE to the meeting, but unfortunately she was busy. After an hour of conversation it was clear JE could support the fight to save the essence of glass making, but was adamant that the building of the National Glass Centre had not been beneficial for Sunderland, and that we should support the University line. I requested a statement for the blog. This is still pending.
On the day of our meeting the 20th Century Society, for the protection of at risk 20th century buildings, wrote a fantastic article in support of our grassroots campaign. More support and much needed publicity. You can read their article here:
I also met with senior management from the University to further question statements made in the report. The estates manager confirmed that recent work to remove the metal from the riverside of the glass centre had resolved structural integrity problems.
Furthermore, the services like the heat exchange, furnaces, and utilities systems are all nearing end of life. I have requested further information about the ‘end of life’ equipment. As I believe this will be a key factor in exactly what is saved.
Photograph by Chris Howson
We had a lot of passion in that church during our public meeting. Emotions were running high. The awesome setting struck a cord with all of us. How tragic it would be to end 1350 years of glass making tradition in the North East? There were tears, there was laughter, there was unity, there was outrage, and there were outpourings of love from every speaker.
Jo Howell: Photo by Phil Vickery, glass blower
I opened the evening with a brief introduction to who I am, what we’ve managed to achieve in the campaign so far, and a statement provided by Sunderland University.
See below:
“The University has always been clear that the search for a new home, or homes, is an opportunity for the National Glass Centre’s work to reach new audiences in a financially secure and sustainable manner, rather than just seeking to recreate the status quo. Such future-facing work had already begun with staff even before the building issues made clear that a move was necessary.
“We remain in active and positive discussions with key partners, including Sunderland City Council, about future site options.
“On the future of the current NGC building and site, no decisions have yet been made.
“National Glass Centre and the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art will remain open in the current building for the next 2-3 years, continuing to welcome visitors to a year-round programme of exhibitions and opportunities to take part in creative experiences.”
Katherine McLeod, Sunderland University, 22/06/23
Photo by Jo Howell
My quick introduction was followed up by Joanna Willets from Unison’s Sunderland University branch, who is in full support of the campaign on behalf of the staff; and she outlined why the unions are United with us.
Unison have put £500 into the campaign to support advertising, printouts, and other campaign costs. Joanna invited people to unionise, and explained how morale across staff in the national glass centre was fairly low due to the immense uncertainty around the future.
Joanna Willets: Photo by Phil Vickery
Chris Howson took the microphone for a moment to express how much his own family appreciated the National Glass Centre. And, he told the crowd of a successful campaign in Bradford, where a building had been marked for destruction but a community show of love turned the tide.
We will be including some of these ideas in our future events. Unity and love will be our primary weapons.
It is accepted and understood that Sunderland University cannot be expected to financially carry a building that is no longer part of their academic vision. What was very clear from the meeting was that there was a strong desire for amicable solutions that ultimately would benefit the City and the University by transferring custodianship. It is clear that the building and its contents are viewed by Sunderland University as a financial millstone.
This dim view of the National Glass Centre is not shared by the people attending the public meeting. The main takeaway being that the National Glass Centre is fundamentally, globally and locally, an important cultural leader.
The National Glass Centre was created as a beacon of hope for the people of the river Wear when shipbuilding was finally killed off. And, it was very successful in providing people from all levels of the city’s population a route out of poverty and depression.
Save the National Glass Centre collage by Jo HowellChris Howson: Photo by Phil Vickery
A lot of members of the audience wanted to share their own impassioned experiences of why the National Glass Centre was so important to them. There were previous employees, current staff, friends of the glass centre, students, family of students, cultural workers, politicians, councillors, glass blowers, artists, construction professionals, legal professionals, heritage professionals, campaign professionals, and even an ex mayor!
And, so many more fantastically useful people, all willing to help in any way they can!
What did people say at save the National Glass Centre public meeting?
The below list is as much as I can recall from the meeting. The meeting overran by nearly an hour, and there were many people who wanted to speak. Each and every viewpoint was clearly heartfelt, and many came with their own suggestions of how we could save the building and the skill set housed inside.
The building is unique, and impressive.
Glass blowing is an endangered craft.
Sunderland has a prestigious and long heritage of glass making. How can we ignore 1350 years of continuous skill in this City?
They do not want to lose an important part of their cultural identity.
They are extremely proud of the National glass centre.
The building has hosted internationally famous artists during programs like the Glass Exchange. It has a global draw, of which no other venue can boast.
It is wasteful to destroy such a young building.
There are still a lot of questions surrounding the maintenance of the building. Many noting that regular painting would have avoided catastrophic rust.
A commitment has been made by several attendees to further work on the save the National Glass Centre campaign.
Could Sunderland Culture, as an Arts Council NPO seek to take over custodianship?
Funds could be raised via crowdfunding, diversifying income streams, adopt a furnace, and/or levelling up fund (apparently Sunderland has only accessed 12% of it’s levelling up allocations).
There are concerns that the intent is to demolish one of our best assets.
If the building is donated back to the people via a suitable local organisation, all it embodies can be saved for future generations.
If properly invested in, the National Glass Centre could create an ambitious cross industry program to research the most efficient and sustainable way of making glass.
Demolition would have a high carbon cost. Can this be justified?
Other glass blowing courses and studios have closed. The National Glass Centre could have far more students, and potential hirers of equipment because of this.
It is worrisome that the dilution, and vast reduction of the current provision isn’t being questioned by more MPs and councillors.
There will be a huge loss of opportunity.
The city will lose highly skilled workers.
The loss of the National Glass Centre will effect our ability to level up.
Students are worried about being able to complete their studies.
Morale is currently low in the centre.
Questions surround Sunderland University’s proposed financial numbers in the online report. We are seeking more information.
How will our young access their cultural heritage with glass?
Worried about losing studio spaces, equipment, staff, specialists, and skills.
Inside St Peter’s church in Roker, by Phil Vickery
What happens next?
Time to organise our campaign and divvy out jobs!
Those who emailed, I will contact and organise a follow up so that we can form a crack team! With this team of knowledgeable people we will have the most effective campaign possible.
There’s still time to email if you want to form part of the steering group. Email:
Savethengc@gmail.com
Initially we will start with a monthly meeting on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Venue TBC.
Thank you for your support. Spread the word. Email, write to, or phone your MP. Write to the culture minister. Write to Sunderland University. Tell everyone to visit the National Glass Centre to show their support. The staff need to know we value them. Without the skilled people the National Glass Centre is just a groovy ship shaped box. But with them, the National Glass Centre is something important to be cherished.
Screenshot of article from C20society about save the National glass centre 2023
Public meeting tomorrow at St Peter’s church 7pm
Detail shot of the letter to King Charles
After the meeting tomorrow I will post off our letter to King Charles. Hopefully a uniquely crafted artwork will help demonstrate the importance of the National Glass Centre to everyone involved.
Retired planning inspector, and staunch supporter of #SaveTheNGC
Welcome, by David Vickery
I decided to revisit the National Glass Centre for the first time since the University’s announcement that it is to be closed. Well, reader, I was blown away!
The first thing to say is – admission is free. A bargain these days.
I entered from the car park and suddenly emerged at first floor level looking directly down onto the shop and cafe, and out towards the River Wear. The inside is vast and airy with breathtaking views through double storey high glass windows which are supported by steel girders. The panorama includes the harbour on one side and the city centre on the other. The place was quietly humming with people and purpose.
Whilst I was there, a party of awed primary school kids were being shown around, their crocodile file politely giving way to other visitors. The cafe and shop were busy and clearly well used. The glass demonstrations, especially the glass blowing, were brilliant. Students and researchers were in the learning areas and research library. And the exhibitions were interesting, beautiful and informative. What more could anyone want?
View across the shop looking towards the sea, by David Vickery
I was entranced and amazed.
And, judging by the many positive reviews on Tripadvisor, so too were many other visitors: “an extraordinary building … wonderfully light & airy”; “the glass demonstrations are always brilliant…the location on the side of the river is beautiful”; “wow what a place…” One comment that I especially liked: “Fell in love with a reptile skeleton made of glass.”
This is unlike any other visitor centre or exhibition space that I have ever visited. I had forgotten how unique and exciting it all feels. There is so much to do and to see. The huge glass building looking out onto the river, sea and Sunderland; the stunning exhibitions, including the Northern Contemporary Art Gallery and Studio Glass; the spacious cafe by the riverside; the glass demonstrations; the shop selling all sorts of local craft and gift products (NGC glass vases £40); the Research Library and more.
Glass blowing, by David Vickery
The two keys to the Centre’s popularity are its amazing harbourside location and that everything to do with glass making is all under one roof. Which is why the Centre is visited so much – 230,000 people a year. There is so much to do and see that visitors can spend a whole morning or afternoon there, if they want, and come back again. Some visitors have been 4 or 5 times.
I reflected that the University’s plan to dot just a few of the present facilities around Sunderland – with no glass blowing – was therefore almost certainly doomed to failure. Just another glass exhibition space on its own would attract few people, and small, isolated cast-offs from the Centre would very soon close for lack of support. Hardly the way to attract the “new audience” that the University proclaims is its intent. I’d rather keep the “status quo”, thank you.
I stocked up in the shop with gifts celebrating the Centre – tote bag, mug, tea towel, key ring, and some postcards. I was told that they are selling fast now that the closure announcement has been made, so I got as much as I could to remember the Centre by in future. Just in case, you understand.
Iconic, by David Vickery
Fellow visitors muttered over coffee about the proposed closure. One local said, “I can’t believe that it would cost £45m just to repair the roof. That’s more than Sunderland’s new City Hall cost.”
Looking towards the city centre across the top of the cafe, by David Vickery
I looked it up afterwards on Wikipedia, and they were right. City Hall, completed in November 2021, cost £42m which is £3m less. And for that £42m Sunderland got two large glass and steel office blocks, one of five-storeys and the other of six-storeys (190,000 square feet), connected by a glass atrium. How can it cost £45m just to repair a roof?
Even the University’s lowest estimate, which is hardly reported, of £14m for the roof repair is over-inflated. Even so, the University is sticking officially with its highest £45m estimate, hyped up with as many optional extras as it can find, such as solar panels. I can see why it has done this – it’s called shock and awe.
I wandered outside onto the wide, paved public footpath that runs in both directions along the river’s edge. People were sitting on the benches admiring the view and cyclists were whizzing past in the bright sunshine. Idyllic.
Evidence of neglect, by David Vickery
Looking up, I could see evidence of the dreaded corrosion problem which is the cause of the proposed closure. It looked bad, with large areas of rust underneath the girders and chipped support pillars. It must have taken years, I thought, for the large rust spots to have gotten into this terrible state. What, I wondered, was the University doing allowing the building to degenerate so badly over all those years?
I went back into the building to finish my visit, and was confronted by a bold sign saying that the University is the “proud” owner of the National Glass Centre. You could have fooled me.
Signage, photographed by David Vickery
By David Vickery, retired planning inspector and staunch supporter of #SaveTheNGC
My mind has been blown! The overwhelming support that we have received in the last few days has been amazing. When we met with the the photographer, and Katy, we found out that the petition was nearly at 20,000 signatures. Today we are at over 25,000.
I think it safe to say that there is a lot of support for the national glass centre to continue on in it’s current format. The loss of glass blowing would be untenable by all the signatories. We have been inundated with testimonies about how important the centre has been to people. Reasons ranging from fantastic career opportunities the NGC and NGCA have offered artists, to the importance of its role in mental health and wellbeing. The National Glass Centre is a source of great pride.
In other news, we have set a public meeting for June 2023 at St Peter’s Church. I need to approach some key speakers, and to organise the format. So, more details will soon follow.
St Peter’s church by Jo Howell
Keep sharing the petition, and if you haven’t written to our MP yet, neither have I! So we had better get on with writing emails, letters, and organising the public meeting.
I will also hand print cyanotype versions of the below design in a made to order format.
All proceeds will go towards campaign costs like signage and mail outs. The campaign is run by volunteers made up of concerned locals, and people whose businesses are likely to be affected. We encourage you to sign up for our mailing list, and to follow our blog for updates.
Save the National Glass Centre original made to order prints
The petition is nearing 20,000 signatures. We have cross party support. Now we are going to take this to the Sunderland MPs. There is definitely a need and a want to save this important asset.
Save the National Glass Centre photo by Jo Howell 2023
We are so close to 5000 signatures! I’d love to hit 5,000 for when I eventually sort out meeting wor Julie (Elliot). I also need you all to put pen to paper and write to or email wor Julie stressing how wrong she is about the will of the people.
Let her know that we love our heritage and all of the wonderful opportunities that the National Glass Centre brings with it! Julie Elliott
Send your post, emails, tweets and calls to wor Julie. Information below:
Telephone 0191 5655327
Email julie.elliott.mp@parliament.uk
Post
Julie Elliott Member of Parliament for Sunderland Central Suite 204 The Place Athenaeum Street Sunderland SR1 1QX
Screenshot from Instagram April 2023 showing George Clark’s support
Shy bairns get nowt!
The wonderful George Clark is an architect, a TV personality, and he was raised a mackem in Sunderland. Lots of people in the area look up to George as a beacon of success, and he still talks very fondly of Sunderland. Bearing all of this in mind, I thought I’d try to reach out to him, and a couple of other local heroes via Instagram and twitter.
So far, George is the only one to have picked up our campaign. Thank you 🙏 that doesn’t mean that the other celebs won’t jump on board, they may just need a little more courtship.
Directly because of George’s post on Instagram we gained over 100 new signatures on our petition! And, lots of people learned of the #SaveTheNGC campaign via the comments underneath.
We need champions of all kinds to help us turn the tide to save the national glass centre and the national gallery of contemporary art (situated inside NGC). We need to show that value and cost are two entirely separate things. And, the value of what we currently have far outweighs short term commercial gain.
Artwork by Regeneration North East SALT art group 2023
Once it’s gone there will be no resurrecting it. The 25 years of kudos and excellence will go with loss of the artists and the skilled staff and the building.
Sign our petition. Write to your MP. Share far and wide. Ask your celeb mates to get in touch. Send me NGC art, stories, articles, films and whatever you have. Let’s prove the value.
Artwork by Regeneration North East SALT art group 2023Artwork by Regeneration North East SALT art group 2023Artwork by Regeneration North East SALT art group 2023Artwork by Regeneration North East SALT art group 2023Artwork by Regeneration North East SALT art group 2023
The University of Sunderland is running a slick public relations campaign to rid itself of the prestigious National Glass Centre (NGC) at little cost. It may even make a good profit. It no longer wishes to have a large public exhibition space, café, shop, expensive glass furnaces and multi-purpose teaching facilities which attract hundreds of thousands of visitors a year. The University considers that the NGC no longerforms part of its key academic objectives.
The University’s strategic aims, as set out in its Annual Report and £250m Investment Plan(January & February 2023), is to concentrate on technology and health. It’s the white hot heat of technology and not the heat of outdated glass furnaces that it desires. And the University wants to ramp up its politically sexy Canary Wharf London campus, close to Government and the country’s financial centres. Perhaps it should now be called the University of London and Sunderland?
To justify its closure proposal, the University commissioned in early 2022 architectural, structural and cost reports (published in March 2023) which artificially inflated the cost of bringing the NGC up to modern standards. Instead of the report’s lower £14m estimate, the University has chosen to go with a much higher £45m estimate, partly by including the replacement cost of 25 year old mechanical and electrical plant which has already been written off over 5 years of depreciation.
Studio glass detail shot from NGC 2021
Having inflated the cost, and before publicly announcing the imminent closure of the NGC in early January 2023, the University convinced Sunderland’s local MP, Julie Elliott, Sunderland Culture, and Sunderland City Council that the NGC’s retention was not economically feasible. And, no doubt, that keeping it could prejudice future University investment in its St Peter’s campus and elsewhere in the city. All have, in consequence, accepted the NGC’s closure in principle.
The University have made a small gesture by saying it might be possible to retain some glass “academic work” and exhibition display space elsewhere in central Sunderland (no glass furnaces). But at the same time it hedged the retention possibility by saying this would only happen “as far as it is practically possible and viable”. No-one knows where a reduced NGC could go. The proposed Culture House has been mentioned as a possibility, but it is relatively small and already has much of its recently reduced floor area pre-allocated for a library, café, local history collection and other cultural uses. It is unlikely glass teaching and exhibition space, let alone furnaces, could be fitted into the building on a sufficient scale to justify calling it a“National” glass centre.
Dotting the NGC’s present functions around the city would destroy its attractiveness as an institution and visitor attraction. The joy and unique selling point now of the NGC is that you can visit everything in one place – see an exhibition, watch glass being blown, have a meal or drink, and take a course.
What no-one has so far mentioned is what the University will do with the vacated NGC site, which is in a much sought after riverside position, just right for luxury residential development. And the University has not said whether any of the funds from the disposal or redevelopment of the NGC site will be returned to Sunderland people.
Detail shot of studio glass made in NGC 2021
A number of important questions remain to be answered:
– Why has the University artificially inflated the cost of retaining the existing iconic and nationally regarded NGC building?
– How much money is the University prepared to “gift” towards the alternative NGC provision that is currently being sought?
– Why have the City’s representatives so quickly accepted the NGC’s closure withoutclosely examining the University’s cost figures and without having any confirmed alternative provision?
– What happens to the NGC site?
And, lastly, the most important question:
– Will Sunderland’s representatives agree to the plan by a financially driven University, keen on increasing its liquidity level and being net cash positive, to close down and divest itself of a cultural, artistic and architectural jewel which provides work, education and pleasure for many thousands of people, both locally and nationally?
At best, at the end of all this, what will be left will be just a small and inconsequential glass exhibition and teaching space, possibly scattered throughout the city. It would be a forlorn shadow of its present greatness.
At worst, an alternative site(s) for the NGC will not be found.
Whatever the result, the University will congratulate itself on having successfully removed an unwanted liability from its books whilst at the same time making a financial killingto add to its existing £51.5m cash reserves.
This is not the way for a renowned and rich“anchor” institution to treat Sunderland’s people, or its artistic community, or its proud history and heritage.
Save the National Glass Centre 