Campaign to Save ‘Iconic’ Bristol Blue Glass

Brislington West’s Liberal Democrat Councillors have been campaigning to save the iconic Bristol Blue Glass company who are facing eviction from their current premises.

The iconic blue glass, famous all over the world, has been produced in our city for centuries and the current company has been making glass in the traditional way since 1988. Unfortunately, the lease on their premises on Bath Road in Brislington is not being renewed and they need to move out by February 2026. However, a new site is proving difficult to find. 

In an effort to raise the awareness of the company’s search for new premises, a petition was begun by local Liberal Democrat Councillors Andrew Varney and Jos Clark. News coverage of the campaign has been featured in the news, including in the Bristol Post and on BBC Points West.

Cllr Andrew Varney (Liberal Democrat, Brislington West) said: 

“When we think of Bristol, we think of Brunel, Banksy, Bridges, Balloons, and of course Bristol Blue Glass. It is inconceivable that the city should lose such an iconic Bristol business on the grounds that new premises aren’t able to have been found.

“Our petition has received over 7,000 signatures within two months, showing the strength of feeling amongst Bristolians. In December, Cllr Jos Clark presented the petition to Full Council urging the Council to take all the steps it can to aid the business, which received unanimous support from all the political parties.

“As a result of the petition, multiple high-profile members of Bristol’s business and culture communities have reached out to aid in the search for a new location for the company, which has been brilliant to see”.

Chair of the Council’s Economy and Skills Committee, Cllr Andrew Brown (Liberal Democrat, Hengrove and Whitchurch Park) said: 

“Council officers have been working with the company to explore suitable premises amongst existing council assets, as well as those available commercially. 

“I have been liaising with various officers, and Cllr Varney, throughout and will continue to monitor progress. I am hopeful that a new home can be found for Bristol Blue Glass so that it can continue to contribute to the culture and economy of the city for years to come.”

Notes to editors:

• Change.org petition: https://www.change.org/p/save-bristol-blue-glass
• Livestream of the Council Meeting Petition Debate [36:56] onwards: Full Council - Tuesday, 9th December, 2025 2.00 pm