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Riverglass Studio School began as a small project between two makers who wanted to keep traditional glassblowing alive in Lancashire. From an old workshop in Lancaster’s historic quarter, the studio now runs structured sessions where beginners and returning learners work side by side, guided through each motion of the craft. Our aim is to keep the process transparent, steady and encouraging rather than rushed or competitive. Visitors often tell us they leave not only with glass pieces but with a sense of calm and precision that the process teaches.
The studio is fitted with two working benches, a small glory hole and a compact annealer. Everything has been arranged to give clear sightlines and plenty of safe space. Classes are capped at low numbers, allowing each participant enough time with the tools and instructor. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused, and small details—lighting, bench height, cool airflow—are adjusted regularly to keep conditions stable.
Riverglass was founded by instructor Alex Holt and studio coordinator Maia Russell. Both trained in the North of England and worked with established hot shops before setting out independently. Alex brings steady guidance at the furnace and careful demonstrations of forming, blocking and finishing. Maia manages scheduling, materials and layout, ensuring every session starts smoothly and ends with proper cooling and storage of the day’s work.
We see glassblowing as a shared conversation between material, maker and environment. Heat, gravity and timing create a rhythm that can’t be hurried. Our courses introduce these principles gently. Even the first gather of molten glass feels extraordinary, and we take time to discuss how colour behaves, how surface tension shapes edges, and how the piece cools evenly in the annealer. Students are encouraged to focus on technique rather than quantity; one good piece teaches more than ten hurried attempts.
In addition to standard sessions, Riverglass hosts short residencies for artists exploring glass as part of mixed-media work. The studio welcomes applications from universities and independent designers who want to rent time or collaborate on specific projects. While production-scale work is not our goal, we are open to small commissions that align with our methods and safety standards.
Environmental care is another thread running through everything we do. Our furnace runs on a monitored cycle to conserve energy, and most glass used in classes is recycled or sourced locally. Tools are maintained for long life rather than replaced frequently, and cleaning products are chosen for low environmental impact.
Visitors can watch sessions from the viewing area or arrange group introductions. We believe that transparency—both literal and ethical—helps keep this craft alive. You’ll find that our classes are paced for understanding, not speed, and that the quiet moments between tasks are as valuable as the time at the bench. Whether you come for a taster evening or a weekend workshop, Riverglass aims to make the experience steady, mindful and genuinely rewarding.
For schedules, pricing and booking forms, see our contact details below:
Phone: 441 524 731 405
Address: 8 Chapel Street, Lancaster LA1 1NZ, England
Email: [email protected]