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.

Do I need any previous glassblowing experience?

No. Our workshops are designed for complete beginners and no previous experience is required. You'll be guided through every step by experienced glassmakers, from gathering molten glass to shaping your finished piece. Many participants are trying glassblowing for the very first time.

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 will I make during a glassblowing class?

Depending on the workshop you choose, you may create baubles, tumblers, drinking glasses, vessels, or more advanced sculptural forms. Each piece is made using molten glass and traditional glassblowing techniques, creating a unique object to keep.

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.

How long are your glassblowing workshops?

Workshop length varies depending on the experience. We offer shorter introductory sessions, half-day workshops, and full-day experiences. The duration of each class is clearly listed on the individual workshop page.

Can friends or family watch the class?

Due to space and safety considerations inside the hot shop, we generally ask that only booked participants attend. If you have a specific request, please contact us before booking.

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.

Is there a minimum age for glassblowing classes?

Because participants work close to hot equipment and molten glass, most classes are suitable for ages 16+. Some workshops may have different age requirements, which will be listed on the individual class page.

Can I change or reschedule my glassblowing class?

Yes. You can manage your booking yourself using the link in your booking confirmation email.

Classes can be rescheduled up to 7 days before the workshop date, subject to availability. Simply follow the booking management link in your confirmation email to select a new date without needing to contact the studio.

Changes and rescheduling are not available within 7 days of your class date. If you have exceptional circumstances or are too unwell to attend, please contact us as soon as possible and we'll do our best to help.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel your booking, please contact us directly at info@gather.glass.

Cancellations made more than 7 days before the workshop date are eligible for a refund. Cancellations made within 7 days of the class will incur a 25% late cancellation charge.

As a small working studio, workshop places are limited and often booked well in advance. We appreciate as much notice as possible if you can no longer attend.

When and how do I collect my work?

Your glass creations need to cool overnight. You can either collect them from the studio the following day or have them 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 (for example, 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, weddings, retirements, 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.