Heritage craft project launches new community driven glass art project at Tamworth Castle

BeccaS
Heritage Day Tamworth Castle

07 April 2025

  • Beautiful, handcrafted pieces created by Tamworth’s African Caribbean community in new exhibition
  • Artwork on display from 6 – 30 April
  • Glass art can be seen in castle Oak Room, normal admission applies

Tamworth Borough Council has launched an exciting new Tamworth African Caribbean Community Glass Art display, as part of the castle’s Handcrafted Heritage project, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). 

‘Heritage Through Glass’ is a heartfelt project of glass artworks created by members of Tamworth’s African Caribbean community.

The display was launched on Saturday 6 April with a joyful live performance from Tamworth Community Gospel Choir in the Tamworth Castle’s Great Hall.

In November 2024, local residents from Tamworth’s African Caribbean community joined a series of workshops run by glass artist Rachel Dean, to explore cultural heritage through fused glass techniques. This included glass painting, cutting, layering and stringer and frit work (using thin rods or crushed glass pieces to add detail or texture).

This exciting project has created a vibrant exhibition showcasing African Caribbean culture featuring individual artwork and a large-scale collaborative community piece celebrating themes of identity, culture, place and belonging.

 Praising the project, members of the group said: “Through this project, I’ve been able to express a different side of myself through glass craft. It’s given me a way to honour and preserve these meaningful symbols as an artistic expression of my cultural pride.”

 Another member added: “Being part of this project was both stimulating and empowering. I felt truly integrated, feel I belong in Tamworth, which has been my home for the past 46 years. This was the first project of its kind, and the organisers were professional throughout. I felt respected, valued, and treated with dignity.”

Rachel Dean, glass artist, said: “I’m very proud to be part of the ‘Heritage Through Glass’ project, working with members of Tamworth’s African Caribbean Association. 

“Weeks of creativity have culminated in some beautiful storytelling, and it has been wonderful to see the group grow in confidence, applying fused glass techniques to create their own special artworks."

Visitors to the castle can also see the display in the Oak Room at Tamworth Castle from 6 April –30 April. Usual admission fees apply. Check the castle website for opening hours, to book and ticket prices: https://www.tamworthcastle.co.uk/.

Stephen Gabriel, chief executive for Tamworth Borough Council, said: “We’re proud to bring this beautiful, handcrafted collection to our castle. 

“It brings together first-time glass art makers, in a way to express culture, memories, and identity. The result is a unique and meaningful display that reflects the voices, stories and creative spirit of the group.

“We’re very lucky to have such an amazing castle to help showcase the wonderful work from our local community African Caribbean group. The ‘Heritage Through Glass’ is something not to be missed.”

For information about any castle events, opening times and admission prices, please contact the castle on 01827 709626 or visit: www.tamworthcastle.co.uk.