Group Travel > News from Lancashire and Blackpool > New Ceramics & Glass Gallery unveiled at the Harris Museum

New Ceramics & Glass Gallery unveiled at the Harris Museum

A glittering new gallery was unveiled at the Harris Museum & Art Gallery on Wednesday 14th May, the result of a £400,000 project. The beautifully transformed Ceramics and Glass Gallery houses a world-class collection of over 1,000 objects, including work from contemporary artists to ancient ceramics. Also on display are items never previously shown, and objects that have been restored with the help of the funding.

World-renowned glass engineers Meyvaert have designed and installed new gallery display cases. Meyvaert have previously worked on some of the most internationally recognised museums and galleries, such as the Louvre, the Pompidou Centre and the V&A.

Antiques expert and TV personality Eric Knowles has been working on the project, and officially opened the gallery.

Eric commented,

"The Harris Museum & Art Gallery is an unsung treasure house, not only within the UK but worldwide. The people of proud Preston are incredibly fortunate to have this magnificent building on their doorstep, as no matter what your interests are in the world of art there is something for everyone to enjoy."

The Ceramics & Glass Gallery is family-friendly, all ages can enjoy the collection and the activities on offer, including innovative new audio guides, touch screen quizzes and mini documentaries, plus gallery tours and a programme of regular events.

Designed to take visitors on a journey, the gallery unravels the developments of ceramics and glass through history, bringing to life the ways in which people lived - every object tells a story.

During the summer there will be regular events for visitors to the new gallery, including a celebratory family tea party on Saturday 17th May, informal gallery tours with curators each month, and events for all ages with leading ceramic artist Halima Cassell.


Ceramics & Glass Gallery talk and tour
Fridays 30th May, 27th June, 25th July, 29th August & 26th September 1pm - 2pm
Join the curatorial team for an informal tour of our newly re-displayed Gallery. Discover some of the fascinating stories that bring this unique collection to life. Meet in the Ceramics & Glass Gallery on the First Floor.
Free, drop in!

Halima Cassell: artist talk
Friday 12th September 6 - 7pm
Internationally-renowned artist Halima Cassell talks about the ideas and processes that lie behind her amazing sculptural ceramics. Halima trained at UCLan in Preston and now lives in Blackburn. Her work can be found in galleries throughout Britain and the world. The Harris has recently acquired one of Halima's pieces which you can see on display in our Ceramics & Glass Gallery. Halima will be giving an illustrated talk about her approach to ceramics.
Please book early to avoid disappointment.
Free, booking essential!


Ceramic Sculptures!
Saturday 13th September 11am - 3pm
Meet ceramicist Halima Cassell at this fun and creative workshop making your own sculptural tiles. All equipment will be provided - be prepared to get stuck into working with clay!
Suitable for ages 8-16 years.
Child 50p, booking essential!