Glassmakers see little future when centre closes

Artists and skilled tradespeople have said they are considering moving or leaving the industry when the National Glass Centre (NGC) closes.

The University of Sunderland plans to shut the centre in the city next July, with a replacement facility called Glassworks, at the former Peter Smith Antiques site in Sunniside, not opening until 2028.

Artists Joanna Manousis and Zac Weinberg, who came to the city specifically for the centre's facilities, said they were questioning if they should stay because there was "nothing set in stone" for the future.

Glassmaker Brian Jones, who has been renting a studio at the NGC since it opened in 1998, said he would retire after the closure.

"It's unfortunate. I'm at the end of my working life, but I feel more for the younger people," said Mr Jones, 70.

"I would carry on if they can keep it open."

Ms Manousis and Mr Weinberg, who moved to Sunderland in 2020 with their two children, said they were considering setting up something themselves, but finding a suitable space and funding was a challenge.

There are plans for an alternative facility in the city during the gap between the NGC closing and Glassworks opening, but no details have been confirmed yet.

"We're questioning if we'll be able to stay or if we should stay in the area because there is nothing set in stone at the moment," Ms Manousis said.

Mr Weinberg, who is American, said the "real tragedy" was for people who were just becoming interested in glass and were looking for places to learn.

Sunderland University announced last year it would also close its