Glass cone reopens for tours amid renovation works

Refurbishment began last year on Red House Glass Cone in Wordsley, one of only four surviving glass cones in the UK

A landmark cone-shaped monument which is being restored as part of a £1.5m project will reopen to the public for behind-the-scenes tours on Friday.

Refurbishment began last year on Red House Glass Cone in Wordsley, one of only four surviving glass cones in the UK.

The 100ft (30m) Grade II* listed structure, which was completed in 1794, will host tours for the public to coincide with the International Festival of Glass.

Dudley Council said the cone would be fully reopening to the public in October.

Restoration work on the cone has included removing vegetation from the cone by taking out bricks to remove roots, before replacing the bricks.

Internal and external repointing of the entire structure is taking place, from top to bottom, with authentic lime mortar.

A lift is also being added to the visitor centre to allow wheelchair access to the upper level.

Dudley Council worked with an architect and Historic England to secure permission for the changes.

While the cone has been closed to the public throughout the renovation, the shop, visitor centre, coffee house and craft studios remained open.