Red House Glass Cone

About the museum

The Red House Cone in Wordsley was built between 1788 and 1794 by the glass manufacturer Richard Bradley and his brother-in-law George Ensell, first to make window glass. At about 27 metres high it is one of only four complete glass cones left in Britain, and it still holds a moving lehr, an oven for slowly cooling finished glass, which is believed to be the only surviving one of its kind in the world.

The cone was used for glassmaking for nearly a century and a half. The firm Stuart Crystal worked there until 1936, when it moved to a new factory on Vine Street. The Stourbridge area became famous for its fine glass, and the Cone is the best preserved symbol of that industry. It stands beside the Stourbridge Canal and has been listed Grade II* since 1966.

Dudley Council cared for the site as a museum and visitor centre, and a large restoration of the Cone was carried out between 2023 and 2025. Visitors can see the galleries Inside the Cone, the Stuart Crystal Gallery and the Courtyard Gallery, learn about the glass workers and the story of Stourbridge glass, and join guided tours and talks about the restoration.

The site also hosts independent craft studios and makers, a café and a shop. Family trails are free throughout the year, and workshops such as glass fusing are held for adults and families. The hot glass studio is currently closed while it is moved.

Highlights

• Grade II* listed glass cone from 1794
• Surviving moving lehr for annealing glass
• Stuart Crystal Gallery
• Independent craft studios and makers
• Free family trails and glass fusing workshops

Permanent exhibitions

• Inside the Cone – The interior of the cone with the story of the glass workers and the surviving lehr.
• The Stuart Crystal Gallery – Stourbridge glass made by the firm Stuart Crystal, which worked at the Cone until 1936.

Operated by

Dudley Council (Dudley Museums Service)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free. Some events, workshops and guided tours are charged and can be booked in advance.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The Cone is a Grade II* listed building and is not fully accessible: the original floor inside is uneven, the lighting is dim and there is no lift to the upstairs gallery. Events and family activities take place on the accessible ground floor, which has an accessible toilet. Guide and assistance dogs are welcome on the outdoor part of the site. Seating is provided around the site. Two Blue Badge spaces are available. An access guide can be downloaded and an AccessAble guide exists.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Baby changing facilities

Free family trails run all year, and family workshops such as glass fusing are held on the ground floor. Baby changing facilities are available and breastfeeding is welcome. The museum has signed up to the Kids in Museums manifesto.

Getting there & parking

The Cone stands beside the Stourbridge Canal bridge on the A491 High Street.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

The on-site café is called Heavenly Baking at the Cone, and the Made at the Cone shop sells work by the resident makers. Free Wi-Fi is available.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Rooms can be hired for meetings and events.

Plan your visit