Founded in 1851 during a time of distinctive economic, political and social forces, the Stourbridge School of Art was located in the epicentre of the British glass industry. Like other Government schools in England, Ireland and Scotland, the Stourbridge School sought to provide education in drawing and art with the goal of training designers for local industries. The art masters did not establish connections with the glass industry, and their instructional practices were constrained by a rigid curriculum as well as their individual interests in aspects of fine art. Glass manufacturing and glass decorating firms provided only modest financial support, and few executives or managers served on the Stourbridge School Council. Glass industry employees were not especially encouraged to attend the school, but some students who were employed in glass decorating claimed local or national prizes for their projects in the school.
