'It would be a real shame to see it go' - Bristol's last blue glass house could close down as lease ends

The famous glassware has been made in Bristol, England, since the 18th century, with a break between the 1920s and 1980s.

But now the 'Original Bristol Blue Glass' firm are looking for a new home - as their current one is to be turned into flats.

Sadly it can't find anywhere and the team says if they close, production of blue glass in Bristol might end.

The small Bristol-based handmade glass company, which has been at its current home for over 12 years, are being forced to find new premises by February next year.

Manager of the last remaining glass house in Bristol, David Barry, 35, said: "Unfortunately, our lease has come to an end and we need to find new premises by February 2026 for our entire business - the hot-floor, the engraving studio, the shop, the office and storage facilities.

"It all needs to be moved to a large enough space located as close to the city centre as possible.

"The landlord wants to turn or sell the property and make it into flats instead.

"We've got no choice, he doesn't want to renew the lease - so we've been given the old heave ho."

All glass products which are made and sold by the company are free blown - using no moulds and no machines.

David, who has been doing this work for 16 years now after starting when he was 19, explained how the hunt for a new home is even harder because of the 'unique' space they are looking for.

He explained: "The building specification for their new premise has to be Class B2 - General Industrial - as well as retail for us to sell the products.

"We ideally want them in the same building ideally because the live glass blowing really helps sell the products.

"We also need a large gas main and three phase electricity, and ideally we would like to be more in the centre of Bristol than where we are already.

"But there aren't many spaces available."

Bristol-born David said a large problem they are facing is mounting rental and housing prices, as well as surging energy bills.

He said: "As we're more retail and tourist focus it makes it even harder for us - and it's really, really expensive.

"In fact, it's insane.

"It's not just the rent that's going to double or more - it's the gas and electrics too!"

The Bristol Blue Glass company was started in 1988 - and has been in business for 37 years.

But David said the tradition of Blue Glass in Bristol can be traced back to the late 17th century and goes back to around 1805 - if not before.

He explained: "Some people might think it even goes as far back as 1760.

"But we're the last glass house in Bristol - there's no one else here.

"The last one closed in 1923 and we then came along in 1988 - so that was the last hiatus there.

"It's bringing something good back to Bristol - that Bristol is famous for - and it would be a real shame to see it go."

The glass company were informed of their eviction in April this year, and have until the end of February next year to find a new home.

David said: "We have been looking for quite a while now, and we only have four months left - which is not a lot of time to move something like this".

They have tried reaching out to Bristol University and Bristol city council for help but have had no luck yet.

David added: "We've tried a few avenues but nothing has really come of it - we were hoping the council might come and help, but they haven't.

"We're grateful for any leads and don't want this to be the end!"

For more information or to get in touch, visit: www.bristol-glass.co.uk

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