Glass!

Perth Art Gallery's newest exhibition GLASS takes visitors on a journey through a dazzling history of glassmaking, from the masters of glass production across Perth & Kinross to ancient Syria and the workshops of nineteenth-century Venice. We're delighted to share that as part of the celebration and as a current contemporary glass maker, Perthshire Artisan Jane Drysdale's work features in this must see exhibition.

GLASS brings together never-before-seen treasures and exquisite examples from Perthshire and around the world for the very first time, celebrating the industry and craftspeople that made the region famous. 

Whilst most of the larger factories have now been replaced with artisan glassmakers and craftspeople, including five Perthshire Artisans, Perthshire glass remains highly prized worldwide, and plays its part in Perth's designation at the UK's only UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art.

Featuring pieces by contemporary glass artists including Jane, and more traditional manufacturers such as Monart and Perthshire Paperweights, to exquisitely-detailed 19th-century Blaschka sea creature models, Venetian Crystal or Cristallo, and Syrian glass, some of which are almost 2,000 years old, visitors will enjoy seeing the beauty, versatility and functionality of this well known material we use every day.

Jane Drysdale, Barkley Glass, holds her work which features in the new GLASS exhibition, Perth Art Gallery. Photo:Sally Jubb Photography | Credit: Culture Perth & Kinross

Image credits Culture Perth & Kinross. From left to right:

Paul Ysart | Ysart Family Photo |Perfume bottle from Syria |David Freeburn, Exhibitions Officer holds a Orange Cloisonné vase, Monart Glassworks, early 20th century |Base of a vase with the sticker Moncrieff's Monart Ware | Perthshire Sheep by Carrie Fertig. 2010 | Nautilus by Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka. 19th Century | Perthshire Paperweight 4 ** Selkirk Glass Paperweight. Created by Selkirk Glass, glassblower Peter Holmes. 1994.

Publicity for GLASS included a feature on STV News (2.4.25) which included an interview and filming of Jane at work in her Crieff studio, we grabbed a few pics from behind the scenes as filming took place. Thanks to UNESCO Perth City of Craft & Folk Art and Culture Perth & Kinross for the opportutunity.

GLASS is on at Perth Art Gallery and runs until 2 February 2026 |10:00am to 5:00pm| Thurs-Mon | Admission Fee: £5/£3.50 concessions| Booking: Essential |Under 16s and Culture Perth & Kinross Supporters go free. Discounts are also available for Art Pass holders and Young Scot members.