Glass and Grit: A tour of Chance Glassworks Smethwick
By the Chance School House / war memorial, Crystal Drive, Smethwick, West Midlands, B66 1RD
Chance Glassworks — a powerful Victorian building — opened in 1822 and was a centre of innovation in glassmaking for over 100 years. Chance Brothers Glass Works was one of the most important industrial employers in the Midlands region; at its height, employing 3500 people, producing specialist glass at a scale unprecedented in the UK and exporting a wide variety of products, including its famed lighthouse lenses, around the world. The supply of glass for the Crystal Palace, constructed to house the Great Exhibition of 1851, was probably the company’s most famous single project, but many other prestigious commissions were undertaken and visitors to our Heritage Open Days tours will learn more of the company’s fascinating story.
Please join us for our interactive tour, where you'll:
Discover the French Connection,
Journey through the timeline of major milestones in the company's remarkable history, and
Learn about Chance Heritage Trust's exciting plans for restoration and repurposing.
Our tour includes the sights, sounds, and visuals of where the men and women once worked, giving you a glimpse into the heart of Victorian industry. You'll also uncover the philanthropy of the Chance Brothers and their lasting impact on the local community.
Come and explore the legacy of Chance Glassworks! 2 tours running 11am -1pm and 2pm - 4pm
Timings & Tours
- Friday 19 September:
- 1100-1300 & 1400-1600
Location & directions
By the Chance School House / war memorial, Crystal Drive, Smethwick, West Midlands, B66 1RD
- Directions:
- We will meet to start the tour, which includes the Chance Brothers School and War Memorial, at the Crystal Drive Cafe. There is good accessible parking on Crystal Drive. We will walk to Spon Lane and visit the 7 storey building.
- Contact on day:
- Jane de Weijer
- Telephone number:
- +447498145058
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- Please book via our Eventbrite link . This will enable us to ensure that we can offer the best experience. If you do not have access to Eventbrite or would prefer please email [email protected] and we can reserve your place.
- Booking contact name:
- Jane de Weijer
- Booking telephone number:
- +447498145058
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking website:
- https://bit.ly/4m09Y25
- Alternative booking website:
- https://www.facebook.com/ChanceHT
- Booking opens:
- 19 Sep 2025 12:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 18 Sep 2025 09:00 AM
Accessibility details
Please note the Seven Storey Building is only accessed by steep staircases and there is no access for wheelchair users. The canal towpaths are uneven in places and there are some steps. Visitors are advised to wear flat, sturdy footwear. Sandals or open-toed footwear are not appropriate. Please get in contact to discuss any access requirements via [email protected]
Additional information
We are NOT meeting on the Spon Lane site due to a lack of parking. We are meeting by the Chance School House / war memorial. There is parking allowed on the road adjacent and also by the café. There are no WC facilities by the 7-story building, but we will have the opportunity to have refreshments and use facilities in the café. Please book via the code provided, which will take you to our Eventbrite link. Thank you.
- Max no of people per tour:
- 20
- Est. tour duration:
- 2 hour(s) 0 minute(s)
