Redhouse Cone built in 1790 was used continuously for glass production until 1936, and is the most complete preserved glass cone complex in the world. It is now a museum and is a Grade 2* listed building. Adjacent ancillary buildings have been sensitively refurbished, and a new glazed exhibition space has been attached.
The work was part-funded by a National Heritage Lottery grant. The project was a finalist for the Institution of Civil Engineers (Midlands) “Awards 2003”, and it received a structural heritage commendation at the Institution of Structural Engineers “National Structural Awards 2003”.
Internally the intention was to provide a display and reception area with a central sales point for the workshops, as well as a rotating exhibition. Existing tunnels beneath the floor once used to bring coal to the furnace have been opened up to form part of the Glass Experience tour which provides exciting insights into the life of the glassworks.
