We're hiring
Chance Heritage Trust has two new part-time roles based in Smethwick. Applications close on Friday 4 September 2026.
Featured: The Lighthouse Mapping Project - > Explore the Interactive Lighthouse Map
Films
Explore a selection of diverse films that highlight the work of the Chance Heritage Trust and delve into the rich legacy of the Chance Brothers Glassworks. From community-led heritage projects to rare archival footage, these films reveal some of the fascinating history, innovative production processes, and enduring impact of the Chance Glassworks.
A beacon of hope for the Black Country
See the 3D representation of the thrilling world-class regeneration project at the famous Chance Brothers Glass Works in Smethwick where the lighthouse lenses that lit the world’s sea lanes, the opal glass of Big Ben and so many other pioneering innovations in glass were made.
Lighting the World
For about 150 years the Smethwick Company of Chance Brothers was one of the most important and innovative pioneers of glassmaking in the world.
Replica of the ‘Golden Hind’
Midlands News film of Chance Apprentices readying a replica of the Golden Hind for launch in August 1967.
Keepers of the Light
A film celebrating the iconic lighthouse at Portland Bill in Dorset, Southern England, and the location of its original production, the Chance Glassworks in Smethwick.
Chance Heritage Trust Community
Chance Heritage Trust intends to regenerate the former Chance Glassworks in Smethwick.
Chance Brother’s Branded Hysil Glass – The Process of Manufacture
This film shows the manufacture of Hysil-branded laboratory glass by Chance Brothers and Co Limited at their Spon Lane works in Smethwick.
Chance Glass Exhibition – Midlands News, 1957
A short silent film of the Chance Glass Exhibition screened in 1957 on BBC Midlands News
Chance Heritage Trust Pioneer Community Share Offer
Chance Heritage Trust want to regenerate the Chance Glassworks in Smethwick, West Midlands.
A Collection of Chance Brothers Memorabilia
A selection of fascinating Chance Brothers memorabilia compiled as a simple slideshow by David Encill.
Chance Glassworks – A New Future
This captivating film tells the story of the iconic Chance Brothers Glassworks.
Chance Brothers Bicentenary Celebration
In 2022 the Chance Heritage Trust celebrated the Bicentenary of the Chances in Smethwick.