The Glass Circle was founded in 1937 by a small group of collectors interested in eighteenth century English drinking glasses. The meetings were held in their private houses, often in evening dress. Now things are rather different. The society is larger and international, with over 400 members from at least 12 different countries including collectors, museum curators, academics, dealers and auctioneers.

We usually have eight lectures a year, in an historic venue in central London, and one or two visits a year to places of glass interest, at home and abroad. Our publications include a magazine three times a year 'Glass Circle News' of around 24 pages, with news, book reviews, reports of exhibitions and sales and wide-ranging articles. A scholarly journal is published periodically and occasional exhibitions are organised to an international standard. These exhibitions are largely with specimens from members' private collections, accompanied by illustrated catalogues. Indeed, it is our publications which, especially for our overseas members, are the main attraction.

Current members’ interests range from Roman and earlier to contemporary glass; our last exhibition was on British Victorian glass and our lectures have included subjects as diverse as enamelled continental glass, Roman cameo glass, and engraved eighteenth century English glass.

Membership is open to all who are interested in Glass.