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Chance's Glassworks, Spon Lane, Smethwick

Chance Brothers and Company was an English glassworks originally based in Spon Lane, Smethwick, West Midlands (formerly in Staffordshire), in England. It was a leading glass manufacturer and a pioneer of British glassmaking technology.

The Chance family originated in Bromsgrove in Worcestershire as farmers and craftsmen, before setting up business in Smethwick in 1822. Situated between Birmingham and the Black Country in the agglomeration of the Midlands industrial heartland, they took advantage of the skilled workers, canals and many advances that were taking place in the industrial West Midlands at the time.

Throughout its almost two centuries of history many changes affected the company which, now in private ownership, continues to function as Chance Glass Limited, a specialized industrial glass manufacturer in Malvern, Worcestershire at one of its small subsidiary factories. The social and economic impact of the company on the region is the subject of a project sponsored by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

History

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19th century

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Robert Lucas Chance – from a photograph

Robert Lucas Chance (8 October 1782 – 7 March 1865), known as 'Lucas', bought the British Crown Glass Company's works in Spon Lane in November 1822. The company specialised in making crown window glass.[1] The company ran into difficulty and its survival was guaranteed in 1832 by investment from Chance's brother, William (29 August 1788 – 8 February 1856) who owned an iron factoring business in Great Charles Street, Birmingham. After the partnership with the Hartley Brothers was dissolved in 1836, Lucas and William Chance became partners in the business, which was renamed Chance Brothers and Company.

Portrait of Sir James Timmins Chance, by Joseph Gibbs, 1902 (possibly painted posthumously)

Chance Brothers was amongst the earliest glass works to carry out the cylinder process in Europe, and the company became known as "... the greatest glass manufacturer in Britain."[2] In 1832, it made the first British cylinder blown sheet glass using French and Belgian workers. In 1839, a new process to grind the surfaces of plate glass was patented by James Timmins Chance. In 1848, under the supervision of Georges Bontemps, a French glassmaker from Choisy-le-Roi, who had purchased the secret of the stirrer after the deaths of Pierre Louis Guinand and Joseph von Fraunhofer, the pioneers of the manufacture of high-precision lenses for observatory telescopes,[3] a new plant was set up to manufacture crown and flint glass for lighthouse optics, telescopes and cameras.[4] Bontemps agreed to share the secret with Chance Brothers and stayed in England to collaborate with them for six years. Just three other companies in Britain made glass in the same way, Pilkington of St Helens, Hartleys of Sunderland and Cooksons of Newcastle. During 1832, Chance Brothers became the first company to adopt the cylinder method to produce sheet glass, and became the largest British manufacturer of window and plate glass, and optical glasses.

The transept façade of The Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, London
One of the dials of the Great Clock of Westminster, popularly known as Big Ben. (The minute hand is 14 feet (4.3 m) long.)

Other Chance Brothers projects included glazing the Crystal Palace to house the Great Exhibition of 1851, and the Houses of Parliament, (built 1840–1860). At that time it was the only firm able to make the opal glass for the four faces of the Westminster Clock Tower which houses the famous bell, Big Ben. The ornamental windows for the White House in America were also made there. Other products included stained glass windows, ornamental lamp shades, microscope glass slides, painted glassware, glass tubing and specialist types of glass.

They made a 24-inch (62 cm) flint glass lens for the Craig telescope.[5] The French lens craftsman George Bontemps helped on the project, which for its day was a very large lens.[5] They only made part of the lens which was a doublet, Thames Plate Glass Company made the other part.[5]

In 1870, Chance Brothers took over the failing Nailsea Glassworks in Somerset, but problems with coal supply led to the closure of that business.[6]

Elihu Burritt (1810–1879) the American philanthropist and social activist, once said about Chance, "In no other establishment in the world can one get such a full idea of the infinite uses which glass is made to serve as in these immense works."[7]

In 1900, a baronetcy was created for James Timmins Chance (22 March 1814 – 6 January 1902), a grandson of William Chance who had started the family business in 1771. James became head of Chance Brothers until his retirement in 1889, when the company became a public company and its name changed to Chance Brothers & Co. Ltd. Sir James Chance was the first baronet.[8][9]

20th century

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The company in partnership with the Ministry of Munitions' Optical Munitions and Glass Department expanded significantly during World War I [10][11]

In the early 20th century, many new ways of making glass evolved at Chance Brothers such as the innovative welding of a cathode-ray tube used for radar detection.[citation needed]

In 1933, the company was reported to be involved in an attempt to contact "any intelligent life" on the planet Mars, using adapted lighthouse optics from a mountaintop, the Jungfrau, in Switzerland.[12]

Chance also popularised slumped glass tableware, Fiestaware [13] that included many innovative designs, including the famous Swirl pattern (1955), and also Lace (1951), Night Sky (1957), Green Leaves (1958), Calypto (1959), with floral depictions from 1965 with Anemone.

Glass-blowers 'Gathering' from the Furnace. (1943) by Mervyn Peake (Art.IWM ART LD 2851)

During world War II, the company was involved in production of cathode-ray tubes for early radar sets, making up to 7,000 per week.[14] In 1943 the artist Mervyn Peake was commissioned by the War Artists' Advisory Committee, WAAC, to paint pictures recording such work.[15]

Glass ashtray, from a design by Kenneth Townsend, part of the 'Sights of London' series (1970s)
'King of Hearts' ashtray, retaining its "Chance Glass-A member of the Pilkington Group" maker's sticker

Pilkington Brothers acquired a 50% shareholding in 1945 but the Chance operation continued to be largely separately managed and a factory was established in Malvern, Worcestershire in 1947 to specialise in laboratory glass where the operation was incorporated as an arms-length subsidiary. In 1948 the Malvern plant produced the world's first interchangeable syringe. By the end of 1952 Pilkington had assumed full financial control of Chance Brothers, but were not actively involved in its management until the mid- to late-1960s. When plastic disposable syringes displaced glass in the late 1960s, the range of its precision bore product was diversified.

The production of flat glass ceased at Smethwick in 1976. The remainder of the works closed in 1981 ending more than 150 years of glass production at Smethwick and all flat glass production was absorbed by Pilkington's St Helens factories. Remaining glass tube processing, especially the manufacture of syringes and laboratory glassware, was moved to the Malvern plant.

In 1992, during a period of rationalisation at Pilkingtons, a management buy-out reverted the Chance plant in Malvern[16] to private ownership and it became an independent company, changing its registered name to Chance Glass Limited, but retaining the historical Chance logo. Since then the company has continued to develop its range of products and processes, and areas now served include the pharmaceutical, chemical, metrology, electronics and lighting industries.

Technology

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Lighthouses

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Heceta Head Lighthouse in Oregon. The Chance Brothers Fresnel lens, built in the early 1890s, is still in operation at this historic light station.
An 85 mm Chance Brothers Incandescent Petroleum Vapour Installation which produced the light for the Sumburgh Head lighthouse until 1976. The lamp (made in approx. 1914) burned vaporized kerosene (paraffin); the vaporizer was heated by a denatured alcohol (methylated spirit) burner to light. When lit some of the vaporised fuel was diverted to a Bunsen burner to keep the vaporizer warm and the fuel in vapour form. The fuel was forced up to the lamp by air; the keepers had to pump the air container up every hour or so. This in turn pressurized the paraffin container to force the fuel to the lamp. The white cloth is an unburnt mantle on which the vapour burned.

From 1851, Chance Brothers became a major lighthouse engineering company, producing optical components, machinery, and other equipment for lighthouses around the world. James Timmins Chance pioneered placing lighthouse lamps inside a cage surrounded by Fresnel lenses to increase the available light output; the cages, known as optics, revolutionised lighthouse design. Another important innovation from Chance Brothers was the introduction of rotating optics, allowing adjacent lighthouses to be distinguished from each other by the number of times per revolution that the light flashes. John Hopkinson, the noted English physicist and engineer, invented this system, while employed at Chance Brothers.

Rolled-plate glass

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One of Chance's major contributions was the development of rolled-plate glass. During the 20th century, rolled-plate glass became the mainstay of the company's operation.

Clock faces

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The German opal glass in the faces of the clock in the Elizabeth Tower, Palace of Westminster (housing Big Ben) of the Houses of Parliament were damaged by Luftwaffe bombs during World War II. The damaged glass pieces needed to be replaced, but because of a difference in colour, it was decided to replace all the glass. The glass replaced by Chance Brothers was opal glass.

Large glass

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In about 1848, Chance was one of the first companies to produce very long pieces of window glass, following technology developed as a result of finding a solution for an order from Joseph Paxton for a large greenhouse on the Chatsworth estate of the Dukes of Devonshire. It led to a contract to glaze the Crystal Palace in 1851 and which earned Joseph Paxton a knighthood.

Ultraviolet

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Based on technology by Sir William Crookes, Chance Brothers was responsible for perfecting the manufacture of glass for the earliest optical lenses to block harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun while retaining transparency.[17] Chance continued to use Crookes as a tradename into the 1960s.

Cathode-ray tubes

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Chance developed cathode-ray tubes (CRTs) just before the outbreak of World War II. Using Hysil glass, a borosilicate glass similar to Pyrex, Chance became a major contributor to developing new methods for producing CRTs during World War II that were the precursors of CRT television screen. The tubes at that time were used for radar detection displays.[18]

Precision bore tubing

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Chance Bros developed precision bore glass tubing under the trade name Veridia in the 1950s.[19]

Heritage site

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The glassworks lies between the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN) Old Main Line and New Main Line canals near the Spon Lane locks and has several Grade II listed warehouses and adjacent canal bridges on the BCN New Main Line. The works lie within the Smethwick Summit – Galton Valley Conservation area. There is a listed memorial to James Timmins Chance, one of the partners, in West Smethwick Park.

Chance Brothers Ltd archives

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The archives of Chance Brothers Ltd are held at Sandwell Community History and Archives Service.[20] Additional papers are held at the Cadbury Research Library, University of Birmingham.[21]

See also

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References

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Bibliography

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Further reading

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Chance Brothers

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Chance Brothers was a pioneering British glass manufacturing firm founded in 1824 in , near Birmingham, by Robert Lucas Chance, who acquired the British Crown Glass Company works in Spon Lane to produce crown . The company rapidly expanded under the involvement of Chance's brothers and George in 1832, becoming Chance Brothers and Co., and introduced cylinder-blown sheet to Britain that same year through collaboration with French glassmaker Georges Bontemps, marking a significant advancement in flat production. By 1838, it had begun manufacturing optical , establishing itself as a foundational player in the UK's optical industry alongside European leaders like Zeiss and Schott, and serving as the sole domestic producer until . The firm diversified into a wide array of products, including rolled , , ornamental colored glass, decorative domestic items, thin glass for slides, and precision bore tubing for pharmaceuticals and . Notably, Chance Brothers supplied glazing for at the 1851 in and opal glass for the four clock faces of in the Palace of Westminster, cementing its reputation as "the greatest glass manufacturer in Britain." In 1850, it entered the lighthouse sector by producing dioptric lenses, followed by innovative lamp cages developed under James Timmins Chance, equipping lighthouses across the and worldwide. During and beyond, the company adapted by establishing a Malvern branch in 1946 for medical syringes and scientific glassware, while its optical division collaborated on defense-related . Chance Brothers' growth was punctuated by strategic shifts, including Brothers' acquisition of a 50% stake in 1945 and full control by 1952, after which sheet glass production at ended in 1952 and flat glass operations ceased entirely in 1976. The engineering division was sold to J. Stone and Company in 1954, and the historic works closed in 1981, with remaining activities relocating to Malvern. In 1992, the tubing and laboratory operations gained independence as Chance Limited, continuing the legacy in specialized products for industries like chemicals, , and lighting. Chance Limited remains active as of 2025. Throughout its nearly 170-year history, Chance Brothers exemplified industrial innovation, contributing to , , and while adapting to technological and economic changes.

History

Founding and Early Years

The Chance family originated in , , as yeoman farmers who transitioned into merchants, bankers, and financial partners, establishing a commercial dynasty while adhering to Quaker principles that shaped their ethical business approach and community welfare efforts. Robert Lucas Chance (1782–1865), a key member of this Quaker family, entered the at a young age and gained experience in glassmaking through roles such as managing the Nailsea Glassworks in starting around 1810. By the early , he had established himself as a glass merchant in , importing and exporting window glass, which positioned him to enter manufacturing directly. In 1822, Robert Lucas Chance formally founded what would become Chance Brothers by purchasing the British Crown Glass Company's works at Spon Lane, Smethwick, in the West Midlands, for £24,000 from owners including Joseph Stock and the Palmer brothers following the death of previous proprietor Thomas Shutt. Around 1828, Chance formed a partnership with brothers James and John Hartley to expand operations. The site, located on the Blakeley Farm estate, was initially developed as a modest glassworks employing a small focused on producing crown glass using traditional blown-sheet methods, which involved blowing glass into a crown shape and spinning it to flatten. This acquisition marked the family's shift from trade to industrial production, leveraging 's proximity to coal and sand resources essential for glassmaking. Following financial difficulties, Robert's brothers William Chance (1788–1856) and George Chance became partners in 1832. The enterprise was formalized as Chance Brothers in 1836 after the Hartley partnership dissolved, expanding operations at Spon Lane with additional structures to support growing production. A pivotal technological breakthrough occurred in 1832 when the firm, employing imported French and Belgian glassworkers skilled in the method, became the first in Britain to adopt the cylinder sheet glass process, involving blowing glass into a long , cutting it lengthwise, and flattening it in a lehr for superior quality window glass. This innovation addressed limitations of crown glass, such as its smaller sizes and distortions, and laid the foundation for the company's early reputation in sheet glass manufacturing during the 1830s and 1840s.

19th Century Expansion

During the mid-19th century, Chance Brothers achieved significant growth through landmark contracts that showcased their production capabilities. A pivotal project was the glazing of for the of 1851 in London's Hyde Park, where the company supplied over 1,000,000 square feet (approximately 300,000 panes) of sheet glass, demonstrating their mastery of the cylinder process for large-scale sheet production. This contract not only elevated the firm's reputation but also highlighted their ability to meet unprecedented demands, producing thousands of panes under tight deadlines to complete the structure on time. Technological advancements further drove expansion in the 1860s. Chance Brothers adopted William Siemens' regenerative gas furnaces around 1862, installing 13 such units that halved fuel consumption and boosted efficiency for continuous glass melting. This innovation, including a specialized furnace for lighthouse lenses, allowed for higher output of high-quality optical and sheet glass, positioning the company as a leader in industrial-scale production during the . To diversify into bottle production, Chance Brothers acquired the Glassworks in in 1870, aiming to leverage local resources for broader product lines. However, persistent supply issues led to operational challenges, resulting in the works' closure by 1874 despite initial investments in expansion. By the , the company's growth extended internationally, with increasing exports of glass products, including lighthouse equipment, to —such as and regions—and British colonies like , where they supplied 23 lenses. This export surge reflected rising global demand for their optical and , contributing to peak employment of over 2,000 workers between 1885 and 1895 at their facilities. Family leadership evolved amid this expansion following the death of Robert Lucas Chance on March 7, 1865. His sons, including Robert Lucas Chance Jr. (1821–1897) and John Homer Chance, assumed key roles in management, with the latter focusing on commercial operations, while nephew James Timmins Chance continued to oversee technical innovations in optical glass. This generational transition ensured continuity, supporting the firm's scaling from a regional producer to a major industrial player by the 1890s.

20th Century Developments

During , Chance Brothers played a pivotal role in Britain's optical glass production, becoming the sole domestic supplier after the cutoff of German imports, which had previously accounted for 60% of needs. In partnership with the Ministry of Munitions' Optical Munitions and Glass Department, the company expanded operations significantly, increasing output twentyfold to supply essential components for military optics, including prisms and lenses used in aiming devices, rangefinders, and equipment for munitions and . In , Chance Brothers innovated in electronics glass, specializing in the production of cathode-ray tubes critical for systems. As the only British factory capable of blowing the complex, trumpet-shaped tubes in one piece using advanced glass-blowing techniques, the company manufactured up to 7,000 units per week, enabling radar detection displays vital for naval and air defense operations. The post-war era marked a shift through corporate acquisition and diversification. Pilkington Brothers acquired a 50% stake in Chance Brothers in 1945, achieving full ownership by 1952, which allowed the Smethwick operations to continue semi-independently while integrating with Pilkington's broader expertise in flat manufacturing. Following the war, Chance diversified into consumer and specialized products, including colored for traffic signals, decorative domestic such as the popular Swirl and Fiesta patterns designed for and ovenware in the , and ultraviolet-blocking for applications in and protective glazing. The and represented a peak in production for Chance Brothers, with expanded output of rolled-plate and flat glass under 's influence, reaching high volumes that supported global and automotive sectors. This period also saw collaboration on the revolutionary process, invented by Pilkington in and commercialized from , where Chance's facilities contributed to scaling the continuous production of distortion-free sheet glass, transforming the industry by replacing labor-intensive methods.

Decline and Modern Transition

In the 1970s, Chance Brothers faced intensifying pressure from the rise of the process, which offered superior efficiency and cost advantages over traditional rolled plate methods, leading to the cessation of flat glass production at the works in 1976. This shift rendered older production techniques uncompetitive, as dominated the market following its commercialization by Brothers. The company, already under ownership since the early 1950s, continued limited operations for a few years, but the site fully closed in 1981, marking the end of over 150 years of glassmaking there. Specialty production, including optical and laboratory glass, was relocated to other facilities to preserve key capabilities. The closure reflected broader economic challenges in the UK glass industry, including high energy costs and increasing global competition from cheaper imports, particularly from , which eroded domestic market share. These factors contributed to rationalization efforts across the sector, prompting to streamline operations. In 1992, amid further restructuring, a management buy-out transformed the Malvern facility into an independent entity named Chance Glass Limited, focusing on specialized industrial glass products. As of 2025, Chance Glass Limited operates as a small-scale specialist manufacturer in , employing a small team and serving niche markets in precision bore tubing, apparatus, and industrial components made from materials like . The company emphasizes custom machining and high-tolerance glass for research and scientific applications, maintaining a lean structure to navigate ongoing pressures from energy expenses and import competition. This transition has allowed survival in targeted segments, though on a fraction of the original scale.

Innovations and Technologies

Optical Glass for Lighthouses

Chance Brothers began producing dioptric Fresnel lenses around 1850 and entered the field of optics in 1851 by exhibiting their first lens at the . They secured their first contracts from in the early 1850s, establishing a dedicated department and beginning production of dioptric Fresnel lenses. These lenses, inspired by Augustin-Jean Fresnel's design, revolutionized maritime navigation by efficiently concentrating and projecting light over long distances using stepped prisms rather than bulky mirrors or reflectors. The company's early success stemmed from hiring French experts like Georges Bontemps, who brought advanced glassmaking techniques to , enabling the production of flawless, colorless optical glass free from striae. The manufacturing process for these lenses was meticulous and labor-intensive, beginning with the of homogeneous blanks in molds to ensure optical purity. Individual prism segments—prisms, bull's-eyes, and plane panels—were then ground and polished to precise specifications using patented machinery developed by James Timmins Chance, which allowed for uniform curvature and minimal light loss. These segments were assembled into panels and mounted within or metal frames, forming complete lens arrays that could be fixed for steady illumination or arranged in revolving configurations to produce distinctive flashing patterns for identification by mariners. This modular approach facilitated customization for various sizes and sites, with frames designed for smooth rotation via mechanisms or later electric motors. Chance Brothers pioneered several innovations in technology, producing both fixed and revolving optics up to the first-order class—the largest standard size, measuring approximately 920 mm in and capable of projecting beams visible up to 20 nautical miles. A notable advancement was the integration of multi-tiered biform or triform designs, which stacked lens panels vertically to increase light intensity without enlarging the lantern room. They also introduced lamp cages enclosing the light source within the lens assembly, maximizing output by directing rays through the prisms from all angles, a technique that significantly boosted compared to earlier setups. These developments earned international acclaim, including awards at the 1867 Exposition, and positioned the firm as a leading supplier to authorities worldwide. Key installations underscored Chance Brothers' expertise, such as the massive first-order biform revolving lens installed at in 1882, which featured 6-foot-tall prisms of extra-dense and produced dual flashes every 30 seconds with up to 80,000 . By 1900, the company had supplied lenses for numerous prominent sites across the and beyond, contributing to a global legacy of over 2,500 lighthouse illuminations. Their enhanced safety on treacherous coasts, from the to distant colonies, by providing reliable, weather-resistant signaling. The rise of electric lighting in the 1920s marked the beginning of decline for traditional production, as incandescent and later bulbs required less complex and reduced the need for large glass arrays. Although new commissions waned with the shift to and aids, Chance Brothers sustained the lighthouse division through maintenance, retrofits, and spare parts until the 1980s, preserving their historical role in even as the industry modernized.

Flat and Architectural Glass

In the 1840s, Chance Brothers advanced the production of flat glass through the development of rolled-plate glass, which enabled the creation of figured and cathedral varieties suitable for decorative architectural applications. In 1847, the company patented a process for manufacturing this rolled plate glass, building on innovations like James Hartley's table-rolling technique licensed in 1852, which allowed for textured sheets with patterns such as Flemish or vine designs that diffused light while providing privacy in windows and partitions. The company scaled up cylinder sheet glass production in the mid-19th century to meet demands for large-scale architectural glazing, drawing on their earlier adoption of the process in the 1830s. This enabled them to supply over 300,000 panes—totaling approximately 80,000 square meters—for the glazing of at the of 1851, where the thin, lightweight sheets (49 by 10 inches and 1/16 inch thick) facilitated Joseph Paxton's innovative iron-and-glass design. Similarly, Chance Brothers provided sheet glass for the extensive windows of the Houses of Parliament, completed between 1840 and 1860, showcasing their capacity for consistent, high-quality flat glass in monumental public structures. Chance Brothers also specialized in crafting large clock faces using their flat glass expertise, producing the white opal glass dials for the four faces of the Westminster Clock Tower (housing ), installed in the and measuring among the largest at the time with diameters up to 30 feet. This application highlighted the durability and clarity of their sheet glass for outdoor architectural elements exposed to weather. By the 1870s, Chance Brothers transitioned toward polished , industrializing the grinding and polishing of cast slabs—a process they had begun refining in the 1830s—to produce clearer, larger panes up to 100 square feet for premium architectural uses. This shift improved optical quality and reduced distortions, allowing for expansive windows in public buildings that enhanced natural illumination and aesthetic appeal. The company's flat and had profound impacts on Victorian-era construction, supplying windows for grand public edifices like the aforementioned and , while also enabling the proliferation of greenhouses and conservatories through early innovations such as the 1.2-meter-long sheets for the Great Conservatory at in 1837. These contributions democratized large-scale glazing, fostering designs that integrated more light and space in both utilitarian and ornamental settings.

Scientific and Industrial Glass

In the early , Chance Brothers expanded into scientific glass production, developing specialized compositions for and industrial applications that required high clarity, stability, and chemical resistance. Their innovations addressed growing demands in , , and , leveraging expertise in optical to create products like precision tubing and heat-resistant ware. This shift built on the company's earlier optical work, positioning it as a key supplier for scientific instruments during the . A notable advancement was the development of ultraviolet-transmitting glass in the mid-1920s, through a cooperative project with Brothers to produce Vitaglass, a that allowed up to 75% of rays to pass while blocking heat. This glass was marketed for health benefits, such as enabling synthesis in indoor environments, but also found applications in and scientific by permitting UV light essential for photochemical analysis and imaging. Chance Brothers handled sub-licensing and manufacturing aspects of Vitaglass production, contributing to its adoption in laboratories and research facilities where standard glass blocked these wavelengths. In the 1930s, Chance Brothers introduced formulations to enhance heat and chemical resistance for industrial and use. Their Orlak line, launched in 1929, was an early heat-resistant rivaling , designed for oven-to-table applications but extending to lab apparatus due to its low and resistance to acids and alkalis. Complementing this, Hysil glass—a composition similar in properties to —was produced for equipment, including beakers, flasks, and tubing that withstood high temperatures and corrosive chemicals without cracking or degrading. These developments enabled reliable use in chemical experiments and industrial processes, such as and reaction vessels, where durability was critical. During , Chance Brothers became the sole British producer of cathode-ray tubes (CRTs) for and early television systems, utilizing Hysil for its vacuum-sealing properties and thermal stability. The company pioneered the technique of blowing complex CRT shapes in one piece, supplying tubes critical for detection in and ships; production scaled rapidly to meet wartime demands. This effort supported Allied defenses by enabling displays for in equipment. Post-war, Chance Brothers focused on and equipment, establishing a dedicated facility in Malvern in to manufacture precision-bore tubing for interchangeable syringes and . These all-glass syringes, with standardized barrels and plungers, allowed for efficient sterilization and , revolutionizing administration by reducing contamination risks in hospitals and clinics. The Malvern operation also produced chemical-resistant apparatus for , including cover slips and specialized tubing, supporting advancements in biomedical and scientific studies through the 1950s.

Specialized Glass Products

Chance Brothers developed precision bore glass tubing in the 1950s under the trade name Veridia, utilizing low-expansion for applications such as thermometers, sight glasses, and laboratory instruments requiring exact measurements. This tubing featured high dimensional accuracy, enabling tolerances suitable for precision dispensing and interchangeable components like hypodermic syringes. During the 1930s and continuing through the 1960s, the company diversified into consumer-oriented products, including decorative domestic glassware such as pressed items in patterns like Fiesta and , aimed at competing with imported goods from . Concurrently, Chance Brothers produced specialized colored glass for traffic signals, including "Signal Green" variants for and marine applications, following the acquisition of the electrical firm Austin-Lite which expanded their portfolio into signal glassware. In the 1870s, Chance Brothers acquired the Glassworks in to bolster bottle production, utilizing the site's existing facilities for manufacturing glass bottles alongside window glass; however, persistent coal supply issues led to the works' closure by 1874. This brief venture marked an early foray into , though the company later shifted focus away from large-scale bottling. Further diversification included fluorescent lighting tubes, integrated through the Austin-Lite acquisition in the mid-20th century, and pharmaceutical components such as glass vials and syringes produced at a dedicated Malvern facility established in 1946. Today, remnants of these specialized products persist through Chance Glass Limited, the successor entity formed in 1992, which continues manufacturing borosilicate tubing for industrial and laboratory uses, including precision bore variants.

Legacy and Preservation

Heritage Site

The Chance Brothers glassworks site is situated on Spon Lane in , West Midlands, encompassing a 3-hectare area that includes multiple Grade II listed buildings such as the original offices constructed in 1822 and the iconic seven-storey warehouse from 1847. The entire site is designated as a by due to its exceptional archaeological potential and representation of 19th-century industrial glassmaking. Key historical features surviving from the to include warehouses, canal bridges that facilitated material transport, and a rare No. 7 regenerative furnace, considered the last extant example of this innovative technology worldwide. These elements highlight the site's role as a pioneering center for optical and industrial glass production during the company's peak. The site has lain partially derelict since the company's closure in the , with visible deterioration in structures despite their protected status. The Chance Heritage Trust, established in 2015 as a , drives preservation initiatives to repurpose the site while honoring its industrial legacy. Regeneration efforts, including a community share offer initiated to raise funds from local investors starting at £20 per share, have gained momentum from 2020 onward, with ongoing campaigns through 2025 to support phased repairs. In August 2024, the trust secured a £250,000 grant from The to enhance organizational capacity for these works, followed by an additional £165,000 grant from later in 2024 and a new phase one Heritage Enterprise grant from The in September 2025. As of November 2025, restoration activities focus on transforming the site into a mixed-use featuring a heritage educational , maker spaces for skills training, and cultural facilities to engage the , though full implementation remains in planning stages. Recent developments include the release of the film "Chance Glassworks – A New Future" in August 2025 and participation in Heritage Open Days events in September 2025. The site continues to face threats from , including structural instability from weathering, and external development pressures in the surrounding industrial area that could prioritize commercial redevelopment over conservation. Its inclusion on the Victorian Society's Top 10 Most Endangered Buildings list in 2024—but not on the 2025 list—underscores the urgency of these challenges.

Archives and Collections

The primary archives of Chance Brothers Ltd are held at Sandwell Community History and Archives Service in , encompassing a vast collection of spanning from the company's founding in 1824 through its operations until 1981. This includes detailed ledgers documenting production, financial transactions, and sales; patent applications and technical specifications for innovations; and administrative documents related to staff management and projects. The collection, which was previously stored at Pilkington's facilities in St Helens, has been repatriated to for preservation and public access, with ongoing cataloguing efforts under the "Illuminating Chance Glass" project funded by in 2024-2025 to enhance discoverability. The Chance Heritage Trust maintains a dedicated repository of memorabilia and artifacts that complement the archival records, featuring physical items such as glass lenses from historic lighthouses, manufacturing tools, and equipment remnants that illustrate the company's technological prowess. Employee-related materials, including photographs, uniforms, and personal effects, are also preserved here, providing tangible links to the workforce that operated the Smethwick glassworks. These items are housed alongside digital scans and are occasionally displayed in trust-led exhibitions to highlight the human stories behind Chance Brothers' industrial legacy. Oral history initiatives have been a key component of preserving the company's narrative since the , with the Chance Heritage Trust conducting interviews with former employees to capture firsthand accounts of daily operations, innovations, and workplace culture. These projects, including the "Oral History and Chance Glassworks" series, feature recorded testimonies integrated with archival footage and photographs, offering insights into the skills of glassmakers and the evolution of production techniques. Transcripts and audio files from these interviews are archived for research purposes, ensuring the voices of workers from the mid-20th century onward remain accessible. Among the preserved publications is the in-house magazine Chance Comments, a bi-monthly periodical produced from 1948 to 1963 that documented company news, employee achievements, and technical developments through articles, illustrations, and photographs contributed by staff. Issues of the magazine, which reflect the social and professional life at the glassworks during its post-war expansion, have been digitized and made available online via dedicated archives. As of November 2025, access to these resources has been significantly improved through online catalogs hosted by Archives, allowing researchers to search digitized records, patents, and employee files remotely. Public exhibitions, such as those organized in collaboration with the Chance Heritage Trust at Library, provide opportunities to view artifacts and hear oral histories in person, fostering ongoing engagement with the company's heritage; this includes an open day for the Illuminating Chance Glassworks Collection in October 2025 that attracted 55 visitors.

Modern Successor

In 1992, during a period of rationalization at , the management of the remaining Chance operations executed a buy-out, establishing Chance Glass Limited as an independent entity while retaining the historic Chance name and logo. This marked the direct commercial continuation of the original Chance Brothers legacy in specialized glass production. The company had already transitioned its glass tube processing to , in 1981 following the closure of the site, where it had operated as a subsidiary focused on precision manufacturing since its establishment there in 1946. As of November 2025, Chance Glass Limited operates from its facility in Malvern as a small-scale specialist firm, employing fewer than 50 people—a stark contrast to the original Chance Brothers' mass-production operations that once supported thousands of workers across expansive sites. The company specializes in high-precision glass products, including borosilicate tubing and precision bore glass tubes tailored for , industrial, pharmaceutical, chemical, , electronics, and lighting applications. These components meet stringent tolerances for custom solutions, such as syringes, flow meters, and apparatus, serving an international clientele in sectors requiring reliable, high-quality glassware. Chance Glass maintains a significant influence on UK glass industry standards through its adherence to the precision engineering traditions pioneered by its forebears, contributing to ongoing advancements in optical and industrial glass applications. It collaborates with research and development sectors to provide bespoke components that support scientific experimentation and technological innovation, ensuring the enduring relevance of Chance's heritage in modern materials science. The firm's branding explicitly ties back to Chance Brothers, preserving the legacy of innovation that began in the 19th century.

References

  1. https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Chance_Brothers_and_Co
  2. http://www.chanceglass.co.uk/?p=history
  3. https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/archives/collections/4
  4. https://historywm.com/films/chance-brothers-pioneering-glassmaking-technology
  5. https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/02692155
  6. https://www.revolutionaryplayers.org.uk/the-chance-family-merchants-and-glassmakers/
  7. https://www.revolutionaryplayers.org.uk/robert-lucas-chance-glassmaker/
  8. https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/people/cp23072/chance-brothers-limited
  9. https://www.britishglassfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/GlassCuts-101-PDF.pdf
  10. https://the-past.com/shorts/groups/the-chance-heritage-trust/
  11. https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Crystal_Palace
  12. https://www.revolutionaryplayers.org.uk/glazing-the-crystal-palace/
  13. https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/William_Siemens
  14. https://sashwindowspecialist.com/blog/history-of-window-glass/
  15. https://uslhs.org/sites/default/files/articles_pdf/ChanceBrothers_Winter_2006.pdf
  16. https://www.geni.com/people/Robert-Chance/6000000053039677967
  17. https://www.blackcountryhistory.org/collections/getrecord/GB146_BS-CHA
  18. https://www.optica-opn.org/home/articles/volume_27/january_2016/features/how_the_great_war_changed_the_optics_industry/
  19. https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/21290
  20. https://www.warmuseum.ca/cwm/exhibitions/artwar/artworks/ld_2851_glass-blowers_e.html
  21. https://www.pilkington.com/en/gbl/about-us/pilkington-history/pilkington-history
  22. https://www.gooseygoo.co.uk/site/chance-brothers-glassworks/
  23. https://www.tobychance.com/downloads/Chance_Brothers-Lighting_the_World_by_Toby_Chance.pdf
  24. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/06/08/british-manufacturing-is-dying-before-our-eyes/
  25. http://www.chanceglass.co.uk/
  26. https://www.britglass.org.uk/news-comment/glass-industry-decries-lack-action-government-energy-price-crisis
  27. https://www.datanyze.com/companies/chance-glass/345984482
  28. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-for-the-history-of-science/article/very-diadem-of-light-exhibitions-in-victorian-london-the-parliamentary-light-and-the-shaping-of-the-trinity-house-lighthouses/43C39FCF31D91AB312642C0F43BFA348
  29. https://uslhs.org/node/1613
  30. http://www.tobychance.com/downloads/USLHS_article_pt1_Chance_Brothers.pdf
  31. https://chancebrothers.com/technology/
  32. https://chanceht.org/photo-gallery/chance-brothers-lenses-and-lights/
  33. https://uslhs.org/node/1424
  34. https://chanceht.org/lighthouse/eddystone-lighthouse/
  35. https://chanceht.org/lighthouses/
  36. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-40887830
  37. http://www.tobychance.com/downloads/Chance_Brothers-Lighting_the_World_by_Toby_Chance.pdf
  38. https://sashwindowspecialist.com/blog/history-patterned-window-glass/
  39. http://tomchance.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Glazing_the_Crystal_Palace.pdf
  40. https://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/glazing/glazing.htm
  41. https://www.spab.org.uk/news/spab-scholars-plain-glass-overview
  42. https://cool.culturalheritage.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/1996/1306.html
  43. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/20507828.2015.1082058
  44. https://zoologyweblog.blogspot.com/2018/10/joan-procter-and-chalmers-mitchell-vita.html
  45. http://glassencyclopedia.com/Chanceglass.html
  46. https://chanceht.org/video/chance-brothers-branded-hysil-glass-the-process-of-manufacture/
  47. https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/21303
  48. https://library.tmc.edu/mcgovern/2010/07/09/thingamajig-glass-syringe/
  49. https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/1950_Institution_of_Mechanical_Engineers:_Visits_to_Works
  50. http://lib3.dss.go.th/fulltext/scan_ebook/analyst_1960_v85_n1009.pdf
  51. https://europepmc.org/articles/pmc1202520?pdf=render
  52. https://www.glassencyclopedia.com/Chanceglass.html
  53. https://collection.powerhouse.com.au/object/236880
  54. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1021462
  55. http://www.chanceglass.co.uk/?p=gpt&s=bore
  56. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1287117
  57. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1021387
  58. https://www.victoriansociety.org.uk/endangered-buildings/last-chance-to-preserve-one-of-the-west-midlands-key-industrial-heritage-sites-as-it-appears-on-victorian-societys-top-ten-endangered-buildings-list-2024/
  59. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/heritage-at-risk/search-register/list-entry/45453
  60. https://www.heritagetrustnetwork.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CHT-Community-Engagement-Brief-Appendices.pdf
  61. https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/projects/chance-glassworks-heritage-trust-ltd
  62. https://heritagetrustnetwork.org.uk/chance-heritage-trust-needs-pioneers/
  63. http://heritagetrustnetwork.org.uk/chance-heritage-trust-secures-funding-for-their-future-work/
  64. https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/print/pdf/node/146036
  65. https://www.instagram.com/p/C-ITV_4iO1y/
  66. https://www.vailwilliams.com/25m-regeneration-project-to-shine-a-light-on-historical-black-country-site-with-a-little-help-from-its-friends/
  67. https://chanceht.org/regeneration/
  68. https://chanceht.org/video/chance-glassworks-a-new-future/
  69. https://chanceht.org/heritage-open-days-week-12th-21st-of-september-2025/
  70. https://www.business-live.co.uk/commercial-property/historic-glassworks-reappears-victoria-society-29252585
  71. https://www.victoriansociety.org.uk/endangered-buildings/
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  73. https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/archives-revealed/cataloguing-grant/current-and-past-projects/2024-2025/
  74. https://chanceht.org/video/a-collection-of-chance-brothers-memorabilia/
  75. https://chanceht.org/projects/oral-history-and-chance-glassworks/
  76. https://chanceht.org/projects/
  77. https://www.chancecomments.co.uk/
  78. https://www.chancecomments.co.uk/pages/magazines.html
  79. https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/illuminating-the-chance-glassworks-collection-at-sandwell-archives.html
  80. https://www.instagram.com/p/DPlremqjJuZ/
  81. https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Chance_Glass
  82. https://open.endole.co.uk/insight/company/02692155-chance-glass-limited
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