After millions of visitors, countless artworks and events and even more memories, National Glass Centre closes its doors today.
Campaigners are still fighting passionately to save the NGC, which honours 1350 years of glassmaking on Wearside.
It’s become a real landmark for the city, but at less than 30 years old is closing today after owners University of Sunderland announced three years ago that they could no longer afford to repair or fund the upkeep of the major visitor centre and its glassmaking facilities.
You can read the latest from the campaigners here.
As part of a series of lookback features on this cultural and heritage asset on the banks of the Wear, here’s some more photos from our archive over the decades, from Royal Visits to some real glass acts.
10. Works of art
National Glass Centre glass blower Ian Spence, with a glass dish which the making of was demonstrated as part of a glass and ceramic day. | Sunderland Echo
11. Following the trail
Arts Council CEO Darren Henley at National Glass Centre during the Snow Dogs art trail. | Sunderland Echo
