A SPARKLING collection of contemporary pieces paying homage to the borough’s prized glass collection is about to launch at Kingswinford’s Broadfield House Glass Museum.

The Back to the Future exhibition, which launches on Saturday August 18, features new work by 23 West Midlands artists who have been inspired by pieces from the museum’s world-renowned glass collections and archives.

Artists spent a day looking at the vast collection, including pieces held in store, drawing inspiration from old items ranging from cut glass tea caddy spoons and vases to mass-produced pressed glass commemorative plates to glass walking sticks and colourful wine decanters.

Inspired by the shapes, colours, textures and details of the old pieces - they have created a collection of stylish and unique works which include pumpkin-sized glass peppers, a bathing belle and surfer dude in a Venus inspired stained glass window and a glass chameleon.

All of the new items will be exhibited alongside the museum pieces which inspired them.

Councillor Tracy Wood, Dudley’s cabinet member for environment and culture said: “The glass collection at Broadfield House is one of the best in the world and I’m glad that by staging the Back to the Future exhibition we are able to celebrate the borough’s glassmaking history and also shine a light on the future of the industry and show the innovative and beautiful work still being produced today.”

The exhibition, which is part of the International Festival of Glass, features artists including Keith Brocklehurst, Jaqueline Cooley, Keith Cummings, Sheila Howie, Charlotte Hughes-Martin, George Jackson, Allister Malcolm, Jo Newman, Georgia Redpath, Nancy Sutcliffe, Darren Weed and Frans Wesselman.

Admission to Broadfield House in Compton Drive is free and the exhibition will run until January 27.

For more information about all the events, activities and exhibitions taking place throughout the glass festival visit www.ifg.org.uk or call 01384 399410.