Successful ‘Heritage Through Glass’ display ready to go on tour

Tamworth Borough Council is looking for venues to host the new Tamworth African Caribbean Community Glass Art display, as the castle’s Handcrafted Heritage project, sets off ‘on tour’.

Heritage Through Glass’, a heartfelt project of glass artworks created by members of Tamworth’s African Caribbean community in partnership with Tamworth Castle, is looking to tour locally at community spaces and showcase the individual glass art creations. Local venues like libraries, churches and community centres are encouraged to get in touch to host this wonderful exhibition celebrating identity, culture, place and belonging.

The display was launched on Saturday 6 April with a joyful live performance from Tamworth Community Gospel Choir in Tamworth Castle’s Great Hall and is on display for visitors until 30 April.

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.

The creative project culminated in some beautiful group storytelling, applying fused glass techniques to create individual special artworks. The display is now ready to leave the castle and go ‘on tour’ at local venues so more of the local community can enjoy the expressive artwork.

If you can support this community driven project and would like to have this meaningful display showcased at your venue for a short period, please get in touch with Emma Carter, Heritage Engagement Coordinator on 07976 475071, or email emma-carter@tamworth.gov.uk. Each individual glass piece includes a description card with details about the maker, the meaning behind the artwork and the glass techniques used.

Stephen Gabriel, chief executive for Tamworth Borough Council, said: “We’re proud to have this beautiful, handcrafted collection on display in our castle during April and we’re excited to see it now go ‘on tour’ for more people to enjoy.

“The project brought 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.

“Get in touch now if your community space can showcase this wonderful work from our local African Caribbean community group.”

Handcrafted Heritage project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

For information about any castle events, opening times and admission prices, please contact the castle on 01827 709626 or visit the Tamworth Castle website here.