The collection comprises ancient and Roman glass vessels and other glass objects assembled by James Bomford between 1960 and 1978. It was purchased by the City Museum in 1978 with the aid of grants from the National Arts Collections Fund, the Victoria & Albert Purchase Grant Fund and through individual and company sponsorship. A fund-raising campaign organised by Mr A.C.V. Telling of the H.A.T. Group of Companies attracted substantial donations from many quarters including the City of Hannover, one of Bristol's twin towns.

The collection demonstrates the early history of glass, its evolution and technology. It contains many forms made in the Roman world between about 1500 BC and 500 AD. Some of the early pieces are very rare, whilst others display great technical expertise and beauty. Several items have been added recently under the auspices of The Bomford Trust which was set up by James Bomford to provide funds for further purchases.

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