Turner Museum of Glass

Really Difficult to find, nothing on the street to signpost it. Look for the Robert Hadfield Building of Sheffield University, there you will see a sign for the museum outside the door. You don't need to announce yourself the receptionist didn't acknowledge us at all. Take the lift to floor E and turn left, through some doors and that's it. It is one room with old display cases around it. Lecturers wandered through but most didn't speak to us, one friendly lady wanted to make sure we'd seen one of the more spectacular pieces on display, but didn't stop walking to talk. There was a snack machine in the corner. I'm sure I had read somewhere that there is a big cafeteria in the building or one of the neighbouring ones, but couldn't see reference to it on our visit, so didn't use it. We didn't see toilets either, and there was no one to ask at reception as we left. The display cases are not lit to show the pieces at there best, and some are crowded. Much of the written info is not visible from where you can see the relevant pieces. Despite the space not really feeling very welcoming to members of the public, I found the visit really interesting. There was lots to read if you wanted, or you could just wander around looking at the exhibits. I would love to know more, and thought some on street signposting and a welcome/info sign as you enter the museum would make a big difference. Also, some nice lighting would be great... I shone my phone torch upwards and around through a piece in the wall with lots of tall glass spikes with seed head like tops, and the sparkles, colours and shadows made an unremarkable display into a mesmerising one. An audio guide file on the website that you could download and be talked through the pieces like a guide would is another thing that I am sure could be provided without costing the earth. I'd love to be able to do a tour of the different courses in that building, maybe see a few demos of the engineering processes taught, or even a week of induction.... maybe even an evening course? I was dying to just wander around the building peering through doors as it seemed like such an exciting place because of the subjects! (Obviously I didn't because it would be a shame if they had to stop the public having open access.)

Located in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, the Turner Museum of Glass was established by Professor Turner in 1943 and displays a collection of 19th and 20th century glass, categorised by country of origin. The museum is free to enter, though the space is also used for conferences sometimes.

Free Exhibit showing a little bit of glass from a lot of different countries and times. Inside Sheffield University on floor E.

Small exhibition within the university, if you like your glass your probably like some on display here. Quite a small display.

Great pieces in the collection