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Rachel Woodman glass Sculpture

Rachael Woodman: Journeys in Glass

This special exhibition in the Faith Museum showcases the work of Rachael Woodman, who has been a glassmaker for over 40 years.

Drawing upon a lifetime of experience, Rachael Woodman creates technically ambitious sculptures that are deeply rooted in her Christian faith. In this exhibition, the artist shares personal reflections on her spiritual journey. The works on display are both a celebration of the beauty and versatility of glass, and a meditation on the joyful act of worship.

I feel incredibly honoured by The Faith Museum for this exhibition.

Minimalist white ceramic or glass art piece featuring teardrop-shaped and curved forms on a glossy surface.

Celebrating 50 Years of London Glassblowing

For 50 years, London Glassblowing has championed studio glassmaking. This anniversary exhibition brings together over 40 artists - current residents, cherished guests, and pioneers from founder Peter Layton's earlier studios - to celebrate a remarkable journey from 1976 to today's thriving gallery. I am thrilled to be taking part in this wonderful exhibition.

A woman with short gray hair and glasses stands in front of a colorful glass art sculpture inside an art gallery. She is wearing a patterned dress with a light scarf and black heels.

Faith Museum acquires striking glass sculpture ‘Joyful Assembly’ by Rachael Woodman

7 October 2025: The Faith Museum, Bishop Auckland, has acquired Joyful Assembly, a vibrant glass installation by artist Rachael Woodman, for its permanent collection.

Originally displayed during the museum’s inaugural exhibition in 2023, the work quickly became one of the much-loved pieces in the contemporary gallery. Comprising 35 hand-blown glass forms in shimmering hues of turquoise, blue and green, Joyful Assembly was inspired by a passage from the book of Hebrews and evokes a vivid, spiritual expression of worship and community.

Events

Exhibitions 2026

Logo celebrating 50 years for London Glassblowing from 1976 to 2026.

Celebrating 50 Years of London Glassblowing
Group Exhibition, 12 June - 5 July 2026

London Glassblowing
62-66 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3UD
Tuesday - Saturday: 10am - 5pm
Sunday: 11am - 5pm

Logo for The Auckland Project with a green arch and blue text

Rachael Woodman: Journeys in Glass
Solo Exhibition, 18 February – July 2026

Auckland Palace/Faith Museum
Market Place, Bishop Aukland, DL14 7NJ

Wednesday – Sunday: 10.30am – 4pm

Press

A woman with short gray hair, wearing a black and white patterned dress, black high heels, and a light gray scarf, stands in front of an abstract glass sculpture in an art gallery.

Faith Museum acquires striking glass sculpture ‘Joyful Assembly’ by Rachael Woodman

7 October 2025: Clare Baron, Head of Exhibitions at The Auckland Project, said: “Joyful Assembly exemplifies our commitment to showcasing contemporary responses to, and expressions of, faith. Rachael’s work resonates visually, emotionally and spiritually and we are thrilled to make it a permanent part of our collection.”

A church with a stone facade and tall arched windows, set against a sky with some clouds. The image has a blue tint, and includes the text "BBC Sunday Worship" and thenumber 4.

BBC Radio 4’s Sunday Worship with Bishop Paul from Auckland Castle Faith Museum

On Sunday 24 October, BBC Radio 4's Sunday Worship programme came from the Faith Museum at Auckland Castle. You can read Bishop Paul's sermon, referencing the work and words of Rachael Woodman.

Interior of a museum exhibit with red walls and display cases containing statues and artifacts at Auckland Castle, showcasing religious and historical items.

Storytelling at the Faith Museum

The gallery is, essentially, four galleries.

The two upstairs galleries explore faith in contemporary Britain through the work of contemporary artists and in their own voices, including works and words by Rachael Woodman.

Cover of a magazine titled 'Neues Glas, New Glass: Art & Architecture,' featuring two large glass sculptures, one red and one black, with a white background.

Cynhaef Casglu Ffrwy thau; Harvest Fruit gathering‍ ‍

Exhibition Review, Neues Glas, issue 1/2023

Cover page of the Glass Network bi-annual magazine featuring a colorful glass bowl with purple, green, and blue hues. The title "Glass Network" is at the top in large green and purple text. The magazine issue details and sponsoring company Pearsons Glass are at the bottom.

Cynhaef Casglu Ffrwy thau; Harvest Fruit gathering

Exhibition Review by Peter Bremers
Contemporary Glass Society
CGS Glass Network Magazine, issue 81 Nov 2022