Tucked away in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, our converted barn studio has been helping people discover the joy of working with glass for over a decade. Whether you’re a complete beginner curious about trying something new, or an experienced maker looking to expand your skills, we’re here to guide you on your glass art journey. The Cheshire School of Glass began with a simple idea – that everyone should have the chance to experience the magic of creating something beautiful with glass. Our founder and lead instructor, Jennifer Barker, transformed a traditional Cheshire barn into a fully equipped glass art studio where learning happens in a relaxed, supportive environment. What started as small classes for local craft enthusiasts has grown into one of the region’s most respected glass art schools, welcoming students from across the UK and beyond. But we’ve never lost sight of what makes us special – personal attention, expert teaching, and the peaceful countryside setting that makes every visit feel like a creative retreat. Our Philosophy
We believe that working with glass should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we keep our class sizes small, so everyone gets the individual attention they need to succeed. Whether you’re 18 or 80, artistic or practical-minded, we’ll find the right approach to help you create something you’re genuinely proud of. We provide all protective equipment and teach proper techniques from the very first cut. Many of our students arrive nervous about working with glass and leave feeling confident and capable. We’re not about rushing through techniques or churning out identical pieces. Every student works at their own pace, develops their own style, and takes home something uniquely theirs. Our Studio
Our converted barn studio combines traditional Cheshire character with modern glass-making facilities. Set in peaceful countryside near Frodsham, it’s the perfect environment for creative learning – far enough from the everyday world to feel like a proper escape, but easily accessible from Manchester, Liverpool, and North Wales. The studio features:
Fully equipped glass cutting stations
Professional kilns for fusing and enamelling
Traditional stained glass equipment
Extensive glass library and reference materials
Comfortable seating areas for design planning
Tea, coffee, and treats always available
Inside, our comfy break area provides a lovely space for breaks when the weather’s bad, and the rural setting means you can truly relax and focus on your creative work. What Makes Us Different
Small Classes: Proper individual attention for everyone. Expert Instruction: Learn from qualified professionals with decades of experience and ongoing commercial practice. Complete Courses: You’ll finish every course with completed pieces, not half-finished projects. All Materials Included: Glass, tools, kiln firing – we provide everything except your creativity. Flexible Approach: Can’t make scheduled dates? We often arrange private sessions or alternative dates. Ongoing Support: Questions after your course? We’re always happy to help via email or phone. Beautiful Setting: Our countryside location makes every course feel like a creative retreat. Our Students
We’ve taught everyone from complete beginners taking their first tentative steps with glass, to professional artists exploring new techniques. Our students include:
Retirees discovering new passions
Busy professionals seeking creative stress relief
Art students expanding their skills
Gift experience recipients (often initially reluctant, always converted!)
Local craft groups and friends celebrating special occasions
Corporate teams building relationships through shared creativity
What they all have in common is leaving with a smile, finished pieces they’re proud of, and often, plans to return for more courses. Community & Environment
We’re proud to be part of the vibrant Cheshire arts community and committed to sustainable practices wherever possible. Our kiln firings are planned efficiently to minimise energy use, we recycle glass offcuts, and source materials from UK suppliers when possible. Many of our students have become friends, and it’s not uncommon to see groups returning together for different courses or seasonal workshops. We love fostering this sense of community around shared creative interests. Looking Ahead
While we’re proud of what we’ve built, we’re always evolving. We regularly introduce new techniques, seasonal workshops, and special projects. Recent additions include our popular Christmas decoration courses and garden glass workshops that celebrate the connection between art and nature. Our goal remains the same as when we started – creating a place where anyone can discover the joy of working with glass in a supportive, inspiring environment. Visit Us
The Cheshire School of Glass is located at Bradley Farm, Bradley Lane, Frodsham, Cheshire WA6 7EP. We’re easily accessible from the M56 and have space for parking right outside the studio. Whether you’re ready to book a course or just curious about what we do, Jennifer and the team are always happy to have a chat. Give us a call or drop us an email. We’d love to help you discover what you can create with glass.
