Art forms by their very nature evolve over time, undergoing significant transformations depending on the cultural climate of the period. Worlds Within examined the transformation of the glass paperweight from the mid-19^th century to the present day.

More than 180 %%paperweights%% and %%paperweight%%-related items from around the world illustrate a variety of significant changes in %%paperweight%% making since 1845, including experimentation with new forms and techniques, and the development of the idea of the %%paperweight%% as a microcosm containing artistically rendered scenes and figures.

The exhibition was curated by Laura Cotton, curatorial research assistant.