Through the Looking Glass: How Go Glass Blends Family Heritage, Innovation in Glass Design

A Story Etched in Glass Design: The Journey of Go Glass Cambridge

When you walk into the Go Glass Design Centre in Cambridge, you’re not just stepping into a showroom — you’re stepping into a story. A story of craftsmanship, creativity, and continuity. A story that began in 1978, when Go Glass was founded as a family business dedicated to the art and science of glass.

Nearly five decades later, that story continues to unfold — one bespoke creation at a time — blending heritage with cutting-edge innovation and a passion for design in glass that remains unmistakably personal.

From etched partitions and illuminated mirrors to bespoke wine displays, frameless showers, and branding features, Go Glass has become a leader in contemporary glass design. But behind every piece lies something deeper than design: a philosophy rooted in family, craftsmanship, and an unwavering belief that glass is more than a material — it’s a medium for imagination.

A Family Legacy Shaped by Design in Glass

Every family business carries its own DNA — a combination of values, people, and passion passed from one generation to the next. For Go Glass, this DNA is transparency, creativity, and collaboration.

Founded by the Sparkes family, the company began as a small Cambridge workshop supplying local homeowners and builders. Over time, it evolved into one of the UK’s most respected names in bespoke glass and mirror design, still proudly family-owned and operating from its Cambridge Design Centre.

Today, Managing Director Tracy Saunders, Design Director Clive Sparkes and Sales Director Emma Sparkes, continue to lead with the same energy and creativity that built the brand’s foundation. Their vision is simple: to create spaces using glass design that feel open, inspiring, and unmistakably individual.

“Our business has always been about people and ideas,” says Tracy. “We don’t just sell glass — we design light, reflection, and emotion into every project.”

Craftsmanship and Technology: The Modern Art of Glass Design

The tools may have evolved, but the craftsmanship remains timeless. Go Glass has seamlessly integrated digital technology into its glass design work without compromising the artistry that defines its craft. The company’s design process combines decades of hands-on experience with cutting-edge software — Adobe CAD systems for technical precision and Smart Glazier bespoke design software for visualisation and production planning.

This powerful combination means that every project — whether a minimalist shower enclosure or a branded glass wall — begins with accurate digital drawings, prototypes, and renderings that clients can see and refine before production begins.

Inside the production centre, each piece of glass is made and finished by skilled technicians who understand the relationship between form and function. Digital accuracy meets human craftsmanship — and the result is design in glass that is both beautiful and built to last.

“Technology allows us to explore creativity without limits,” explains Clive. “We can turn an idea into a working design, test it visually, and produce it to perfection — all within one connected system.”

Limitless Possibilities in Glass Design

Step inside the Go Glass showroom and you’ll discover how versatile glass can be. Light dances through etched panels, reflections shimmer across illuminated mirrors, and design takes form in the most unexpected ways.

For homeowners, Go Glass creates serene, light-filled interiors using products like frameless showers, sliding doors, and mirrored wall panels. For architects, designers, and developers, the company provides bespoke glass partitions, branding walls, and feature lighting that elevate commercial and hospitality environments.

Each piece is made to order. From UV-bonded display cabinets to reeded glass partitions and ceiling-mounted illuminated mirrors, no two projects are ever the same. Finishes, fixings, and edge details are chosen to match each client’s style — whether minimalist, industrial, or luxury contemporary.

Glass, at Go Glass, isn’t just functional — it’s expressive. It reflects identity, creativity, and innovation.

Innovation and Glass Design with Integrity

At the heart of Go Glass’s growth is a deep respect for craftsmanship and people. Sustainability is built into every decision — sourcing from trusted UK suppliers, minimising waste through smart production planning, and ensuring long-lasting design quality.

This commitment to responsibility extends beyond the workshop. Over the years, Go Glass has been deeply involved in community and charity projects, including the remarkable glass sculptures created by Clive Sparkes that have raised over £35,000 for local causes.

The business also invests in the next generation of glass specialists, offering glass design apprenticeships and hands-on training in both design and production. For young people entering the industry, Go Glass offers something rare — the chance to learn traditional craftsmanship alongside modern digital processes.

It’s this blend of ethics, education, and excellence that defines the company’s culture. As Tracy puts it, “Our success isn’t just about what we make — it’s about what we stand for.”

A Modern Elevated Glass and Mirror Experience

In today’s fast-moving world, Go Glass understands that great products need an equally great customer experience. From an enquiry for glass design to overseeing installation, the company’s process is transparent and collaborative.

Customers begin with a design consultation — online or in-person — where ideas are explored visually using 3D modelling and samples. Quotes are delivered with clear visual breakdowns, highlighting Go Glass’s in-house production, premium upgrades, and award-winning support.

For B2B clients in hospitality, luxury retail, and architecture, the company offers technical design packs and data sheets aligned with British Standards (EN12600, BS6206, Document K). For homeowners, the focus is simplicity, communication, and confidence — ensuring that every project feels personal.

Whether it’s a single etched panel or an entire glass partition system, Go Glass’s goal is to make bespoke glass accessible, understandable, and enjoyable to specify.

Celebrating Light, Reflection & Imagination in Glass Design

Perhaps the true magic of glass lies in its ability to transform how we experience space. Light travels through it, reflects off it, and brings it to life — revealing subtle changes throughout the day. Go Glass’s work celebrates that magic, turning glass into both structure and story.

Recent innovations like ceiling-mounted illuminated mirrors (part of the new Go Glass Display range) highlight how the company continues to push boundaries. These mirrors blend technical lighting design with sculptural glasswork — perfect for hospitality interiors, luxury homes, and branded environments.

Projects like these showcase what happens when imagination meets engineering. They also prove that, even after nearly 50 years, Go Glass continues to reinvent how glass can enhance the way we live and work.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Glass Design Is Transparent

As Go Glass moves forward, its mission remains crystal clear — to blend artistry, sustainability, and technology in every creation. The future of the business lies not in mass production, but in personalisation, precision, and partnership.

From its Cambridge base, the company is expanding its reach through digital platforms, design collaborations, and video storytelling — bringing its unique blend of family heritage and innovation to a global audience.

“Glass has no limits,” says Tracy. “It reflects who we are — clear, adaptable, and endlessly creative. Our job is to help clients see what’s possible.”

Through the looking glass of Go Glass, you don’t just see reflections — you see a vision of what craftsmanship, innovation, and family values can achieve together.