Formed in 1884, the Blackpool Art Society is one of the oldest art societies in Britain. Blackpool Art Society has its own studio, which was purpose built in 1972 for its members to use and create different forms of art as well as hosting workshops, demonstrations and talks.

In 2017, the Blackpool Art Society was victim to repeated acts of vandalism with incidents just weeks apart. The extent of the vandalism resulted in broken windows which cost £500 each time they had to be replaced.

In January 2017, the society received a grant from the National Lottery to increase and improve the security of the building, to allow more people to continue to the use the venue and feel secure whilst doing so.

This prompted Big Lottery Fund Project Manager, Susan Pugh, to look online for an alternative solution to protect their windows from being smashed but would also not prohibit natural light coming through the windows – something that is imperative for an Art Studio.

After researching, they came across Hammerglass, a product designed as a virtually unbreakable alternative 300 times stronger than normal glass with all the key aesthetic features as normal glass and ensuring that natural light could still enter through the windows. They opted for the Hammerglass add-on which is designed to be fitted externally over the existing windows.

After consultation with the Window Security Solutions team, the Blackpool Art Society decided to fit 9 units of Hammerglass to their windows. The new security system was installed in just one day.

The end result was a significant improvement. Not only do the windows look attractive, but they are protected, while not affecting natural light or preventing the windows from opening.

Susan Pugh, Big Lottery Fund Award Project Manager for Blackpool Art Society expressed her delighted with the level of service received and the overall quality of Hammerglass: “From my initial enquiry, I was dealt with in a professional and courteous manner. All my queries were dealt with and answered in full. Artur handled everything wonderfully. Barry came to fit the Hammerglass and was meticulous in his fitting. He took notice of all questions and did a great job of fitting the large windows."

When asked about Hammerglass as a window security solution, Susan Pugh said: “I am extremely impressed with them. They haven’t as yet been put to the test and I hope they won’t be, but it has made our members feel much more secure. The cost will be well worth the security."