British Glass Biennale 2026 artists announced for the International Festival of Glass
82 artists have been picked for the British Glass Biennale 2026, part of this year’s International Festival of Glass at The World of Glass in St Helens. The show promises a real mix of what’s happening in British glass right now, from big sculptural pieces to fine, intricate work.
It opens to the public on Friday 28 August 2026 and runs through to 1 November — plenty of time to catch one of the biggest dates in the British glass calendar.
The Biennale is juried and open to British nationals or anyone living and working in the UK. This year’s panel included Tami Landis from the Corning Museum of Glass, Jeffrey Sarmiento of Australian National University, and UK glass artist Louis Thompson.
Everything in the show is for sale, so it’s a good chance for collectors and buyers — whether seasoned or new — to pick up some genuinely exceptional pieces. All the artists are also in the running for the £3,000 Best in Show award, with the winner announced at the opening in St Helens in August.
For a list of the participating artists, see here.
In addition to the British Glass Biennale 2026, The World of Glass will be hosting the International Bead and Jewellery Biennale, celebrating wearable art at the intersection of glass, jewellery and contemporary craft.
It will also showcase the work of selected Contemporary Glass Society members in the ‘A Cabinet of Curiosities’ exhibition, with pieces in 2D and 3D measuring up to 20 x 10 x 10cm. The show runs from 27 August to 31 October 2026 and includes the creations of makers at all stages of their glassmaking careers in a wide range of techniques. All artworks will be for sale at reasonable prices.
In addition, new organiser of the International Festival of Glass 2026, the Glass Art Society (GAS), has selected work from members around the world for its International Member Exhibition, so visitors will also be able to see glass art from countries including Japan, Mexico, Norway, Australia, Uruguay and Ireland. This show runs from 28 August to 1 November 2026.
The World of Glass will also host live glassmaking demonstrations, hands-on workshops, family activities, community art projects and more. These core activities of the International Festival of Glass 2026 take place over the August Bank Holiday weekend (28-31 August 2026).
The exhibitions are free to visit.
Prior to the International Festival of Glass, artists can sign up for a range of Masterclasses. Find out more details here.
The World of Glass is at Chalon Way E, St Helens WA10 1BX, UK. Check the website for opening days/times.