New glass sale announced at Sworders

Essex auction house Sworders has a new addition to its auction calendar entitled The Glass Sale.

The specialist auction will focus exclusively on the art of glassmaking across all eras, shining a spotlight on a captivating and often under-appreciated area of the decorative arts. The inaugural sale will take place on October  28 and will become a biannual fixture in Sworders’ calendar going forward. 

The auction house said that at a time when collectors are increasingly drawn to unique, tactile and visually striking works, there is a clear opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary artistry of glass. The Glass Sale is designed to elevate this versatile medium – from elegant 18th-century drinking vessels to bold 20th-century designs and cutting-edge contemporary studio glass – and to foster thoughtful collecting rooted in scholarship, quality, and a deep appreciation for innovation and craftsmanship. 

Leading this exciting initiative is the auction house’s in-house glass specialist, Alex Froggatt. Born in Stourbridge – the historic heart of British glassmaking at the close of the 19th century – Alex brings over a decade of experience in studying and collecting glass. His personal connection to Stourbridge, a town renowned for its artistic excellence and technical innovation in glass, imbues this project with both depth and authenticity. 

Reflecting on the upcoming sale, he remarked: “Glass is one of the most expressive materials in the decorative arts – it can be shaped, coloured and finished in countless ways. I am thrilled to bring together pieces that tell the story of glass across centuries and continents, and to introduce new audiences to its beauty and significance. This is a field with tremendous potential for growth within the wider auction market.”

The sale will be aimed at established collectors, design enthusiasts seeking statement pieces, or first-time buyers curious about the world of art glass.