Glass Blowing Workshops with Molten 1090
By Natasha Ball
The moment you step into our studio, the sensory experience begins. The smell of hot air, the bright circle of light, the roar of the furnace driving the more than thousand degree heat melting the glass. Glassblowing hits all the senses.
A little history: The craft of glassmaking spans an estimated 5,000 years, however, the blowing iron was believed to be invented by the Syrians in the 1st century BC, a tool/technique that remains at the heart of glass making to this day. In our workshops, you will work with those same traditions: tools, breath, and the alchemy of heat to make your own creations.
This isn’t just another craft experience to add to your hobby list. It’s an immersive experience of a lifetime.
In this article you will learn all that Molten 1090 has to offer when it comes to a Glassblowing Workshop - what to expect from our workshops, what to wear when you come along and what you’ll make!
What happens in a glass blowing workshop?
While glassblowing is a craft that takes many years of dedicated practice to master, our workshops are a wonderful way to be a glassblower for a day, getting up close and personal with molten glass to heat, shape, colour and blow into a handmade creation to admire for years to come.
The tools include newspaper, tweezers, jacks, punty irons and blowing irons and you will be guided by our skilled artisans to make objects such as paperweights, small vessels, baubles, bowls or drinking tumblers. Once made each piece goes into the kiln to cool for over 24 hours. It is then inspected, coldworked by hand using polishing machinery where needed, packaged carefully, and shipped directly to you.
What to expect from a glass blowing experience in London
Walking through the Molten 1090 studio doors, you will be welcomed with a refreshment, safety goggles and a given a full health and safety briefing before your workshop begins. We keep our workshops limited to a small number of participants to allow each person ample time to immerse themselves in the art of glassmaking. Workshops are typically anywhere between 4-8 people, while private and corporate sessions can accommodate larger groups. Nibbles and refreshments are provided throughout to keep you fueled while you move between your making, assisting and watching others make, which is an incredibly mesmerising experience in itself.
Our expert glassblowers offer hands-on support and guidance to each individual throughout the making process whilst ensuring you have as much creative freedom as possible. We walk you through each step before you begin, so you arrive at the furnace prepared and at ease. We take our time with each individual to maximise your experience and comfort. Among other new experiences, you will be surprised by the viscosity of the molten glass, and how quickly it drops in temperature and moves from liquid to a solid.
What to wear for a workshop?
Comfortable and loose clothing made from natural fibres such as cotton, denim or linen. Closed-toe shoes are essential (trainers are perfect), and we recommend keeping your arms covered - but don’t worry, we will have protective kevlar sleeves to use during. If you have long hair, bring a hair tie for when you’re actively making in the hotshop.
Are your glass blowing classes in London suitable for beginners?
Our workshops are completely beginner-friendly and fully guided. Our vessel making, bauble making , and bowl making workshops are particularly popular with beginners, but if you’re ready to dive right in we recommend our tumbler workshop or our 'Expand Your Knowledge' workshop.
What kinds of glass blowing workshops are available at Molten 1090?
Whether you are visiting as an individual looking to try something new, celebrating with friends, or bringing a team together for a totally unique team-building experience, we offer a range of workshops to suit the occasion.
Make with Molten Glassblowing Workshops
Our glass blowing workshops are held every Saturday and most Sundays. Participants can choose from our new handblown tumbler session or our double-make experiences where they create a paperweight along with a bauble, small vessel, or bowl. For those looking to delve deeper into the craft, we offer an advanced workshop, 'Expand Your Knowledge', suitable for enthusiastic beginners or those aiming to build on their existing skills. Explore Make With Molten Workshops
Group Workshops
Our group glass blowing workshops are tailored for larger gatherings and special occasions, from birthdays, hen and stag celebrations, family reunions, to any milestone worth marking with something made by hand. Explore Group Glass Blowing Workshops
Corporate Workshops
Our corporate glass blowing workshops offer a team-building experience like no other: hands-on, creative, and away from the usual. Sessions can be adapted to suit the size and spirit of your group. Explore Corporate Glass Blowing Workshops
Bespoke Workshops
Our bespoke glass blowing workshops offer a tailored glassblowing experience designed around you. We curate bespoke workshops that align with the creative vision and desired outcome of the participant. Ideal for those seeking an exclusive, personalised activity, this private glassblowing experience offers a memorable, hands-on encounter with the art of glass. Explore Bespoke Glass Blowing Workshops.
Where you can find us
Find us at Unit C1, 2 Leswin Place, London, N16 7NJ.
Our studio is just a 5 minute walk from Rectory Road Overground station and 10 minutes from Dalston and Stoke Newington Overground stations, making it easy to reach by public transport. We’d encourage you to explore the vibrant local area, especially Stoke Newington Church Street, which is home to a plethora of independent shops and incredible neighbourhood eateries, perfect for a day out!
Booking a workshop at Molten 1090
Our popular Make with Molten workshops are held every Saturday and most Sundays and are available to book instantly. Simply choose your desired workshop, select a suitable date, and book your spot(s). If you have any questions ahead of your workshop, just email us at team@molten1090.com, we’re always happy to answer them!
Dreaming of a private celebration, a unique team-building event, or a bespoke glassblowing session? We'd love to craft the perfect experience for you! Please reach out to us directly by dropping us an email at team@molten1090.com or simply fill out our contact form. To help us plan your event perfectly, please tell us which workshop has caught your eye, your ideal date and time, and the estimated number of participants. We can't wait to help you create unforgettable molten memories!
