Glassblowing Classes in London

- Is this a real working glassblowing studio?

Yes! Gather operates as a fully working furnace glassblowing studio in London, producing handblown glassware, lighting, and bespoke commissions throughout the week. Classes take place within this live production environment, where participants experience the heat, tools, movement, and rhythm of the hot shop firsthand.

- Will I work with molten glass?

Yes. Participants work directly with molten glass gathered from the furnace, guided by experienced glassmakers throughout the process. Depending on the class, you may shape, blow, colour, or form the glass using traditional tools and techniques at the bench.

- Who teaches the classes?

Classes are taught by experienced makers working within Gather’s production studio under founder Phoebe Stubbs, who has over twenty years of furnace glassblowing experience. Alongside teaching, the team produces handblown glassware and bespoke commissions from the studio.

- Where is the studio located?

Our glassblowing studio is based within a vibrant creative district in Woolwich, South East London, close to the Greenwich Design District and surrounded by independent artists, fabricators, and makers.

Known as the Hot Shop, the studio operates as both a teaching space and a working production environment where handblown glassware is made throughout the week.

- How can I find it when I arrive in the area?

It's in a shared workspace called BLOC at the bottom of Warspite Road on the right: Unit 4, Submarine Cable Depot, Bloc, Warspite Rd, London SE18 5NX

The shutter door will be open on the day of your class. If you have trouble finding us, call 020 8090 9466.

- How can I get there by public transport?

Tube: North Greenwich or Woolwich stations are closest.

Bus: Take buses 161, 177, 180, or 472 from Woolwich, or 180/472 from North Greenwich to the ‘Warspite Road’ stop.

- What about parking?

Limited on-site parking is available (first 30 minutes free; paid by the hour afterward). Nearby street parking on Ruston Road is recommended.

- What is it like inside the hot shop?

The hot shop is warm, active, and constantly changing. Furnaces remain running throughout the day while glassmakers move between benches shaping, blowing, and finishing pieces by hand. During your class, you’ll experience the sounds, heat, tools, and pace of a working glassblowing studio firsthand.

- What kinds of things can I make during a class?

Depending on the workshop, participants may create baubles, tumblers, drinking glasses, vessels, or sculptural forms. Every piece is shaped by hand using molten glass and cooled overnight in the annealer before collection or shipping.

- What happens if my piece breaks?

Glass is a dynamic material and, occasionally, pieces can crack or break during shaping or cooling. If this happens, our team will always do their best to remake the piece within the session so you can still leave with finished work from your class.

- When should I arrive?

Please arrive at least 5 minutes before your class start time so we can show you around the studio.

- What should I bring?

We provide all tools and safety equipment. We recommend wearing closed shoes and comfortable layers, as the studio temperature changes throughout the day due to the heat of the furnace and ongoing glass production.

You’ll be working close to molten glass, heat, and traditional glassblowing equipment within a live studio environment.

- Can I eat or drink nearby?

Yes! Nearby options include Art Cafe, Riverside Ethiopian, or The Chef House Kitchen.

- Is your studio wheelchair accessible? Can you accommodate people with limited mobility?

Our studio has two small steps (12 cm and 10 cm) at the front entrance, but step-free access is available via the rear of the building. Please contact us before your visit so we can make sure the route is clear and ready.

Some of our experiences, such as bauble blowing, can be adapted for people with different mobility levels. However, our tumbler, half-day, and full-day classes currently require standing and movement that make them unsuitable for wheelchair users.

We’re committed to making glassblowing as accessible as possible and are always happy to discuss individual needs or make reasonable adjustments where we can.
Email us at info@gather.glass to talk through options.

- What is your cancellation policy?

We accommodate changes and refunds up to a week prior to the class date. Any requests for a change of class date made after that time may be declined. Cancellations made after a week before the class date will incur a 25% late cancellation charge.

In exceptional circumstances, or you are too unwell to blow glass, we will try to move your class booking. You must notify us as soon as possible. We regret that we cannot move more than one member of a party if one person is unwell in a group booking. 

Because of class availability, it is sometimes not possible to switch dates. As a small business, we try our best to accommodate changes and cancellations, but have to balance this with our operational needs. 

- When and how do I collect my work?

Your glass creations need to cool overnight. You can: collect from the studio the following day or have it delivered to your address.

Delivery costs vary depending on the class you book and the size or quantity of pieces:

Standard bauble delivery: £8.95

Larger or multiple items (e.g., full-day workshop creations): price may vary and will be confirmed at the time of booking.

If you’ve already paid for delivery online, we’ve noted this. Otherwise, we’ll confirm the cost before shipping.

- Can I book a private glassblowing experience?

Yes - we offer private glassblowing sessions in our working furnace studio in Woolwich, London. These are tailored for individuals, couples, or small groups.

- What are private classes suitable for?

Private sessions are often booked for birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations, or creative group experiences inside a working glassblowing studio.

- Can I book for a group or team?

Yes - we offer private group workshops and corporate team-building sessions. Get in touch to discuss group sizes and availability.

- Do glassblowing classes make good gifts?

Yes! Our glassblowing experiences are popular gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions. Gift vouchers are available across all class formats.

- Who can I contact before the class?

For any questions, email info@gather.glass. We may miss messages on Instagram or Facebook, so email is the best way to reach us.