Shine Together: Mapping Our Lighthouse Stories

As part of  Heritage Open Days Week (12th-21st September) Chance Heritage Trust will be r at Smethwick Library us Saturday, 13th September 2025, where, along with colleagues at Smethwick Archives, they will be celebrating the legacy left by Chance Brothers & Co.  Chance Heritage Trust will be  unveiling of their fascinating new interactive map, showcasing the locations of over 2,500 lighthouses equipped with the iconic Chance Brothers lens.

In 2022, Chance Heritage Trust launched the Lighthouse Mapping Project—an ambitious global effort to document over 2,500 lighthouses fitted with pioneering lenses made at the historic Chance Glassworks in Smethwick. These precision lenses were shipped worldwide, guiding countless ships safely along remote coastlines.

On Saturday, 13th September, they will proudly unveil a new interactive digital map. This platform lets you explore these lighthouses, learn their stories, and virtually stand at their sites. Discover how Chance Brothers revolutionised lighthouse technology, making Smethwick a global beacon in maritime safety.

From Australia’s cliffs to Northern Europe’s icy shores, Chance lenses saved lives worldwide. Now, Chance Heritage Trust aims to preserve this legacy by restoring the Chance Glassworks site into a vibrant centre for creativity, heritage, and innovation. This will support creatives and makers, artisans, revive traditional crafts, and offer opportunities to upskill in new technologies.

Inspired by the Chance Brothers’ history of caring for their workforce and community—building schools and parks—they continue their values of Innovation, Education, and Community.

They will be launching their ‘Shine a Light On… pop-up spaces at their event. These mini exhibitions will celebrate Smethwick and Sandwell today, shining a light on local people and stories that will shape our future!

Find out about Chance Heritage Trust and their work through their brand new website chanceht.org