Glassblowing is the process of forming a heat-softened piece of glass in to a decorative or functional shape. The shaping is achieved by a person blowing air in to the glass, through a tube. Glassblowing was a craft devised by the craftspeople of ancient Syria.
The manufacturing method has changed little over time and is much the same today as it was thousands of years ago. The conversion of silica, soda and lime (the raw materials of glass) in to glass happens at approximately 2400 degrees Fahrenheit (1315 degrees Celsius). At this temperature the glass is so hot that it glows white. There are normally fine bubbles within the glass which have to expelled, so after the glass mass has been heated it is then left for a period of time to “fine out”.
After, the furnace temperature is reduced to approximately 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. It is at this time that the glassblower will manipulate and work the glass in to it's desired shape. Once the glass has been shaped, annealing must take place, to cool the glass in to a solid state. Annealing has to be performed very slowly (few hours to a few days) in order to prevent the glass cracking.
A glassblowers principle tools are his blowpipe, pontil, marver, bench, blocks, jacks, paddles, tweezers, and an assortment of shears.
Glassblowing is an art form that demands lengthy training, a high level concentration, and lots of artistic skill. Whilst glassblowing is considered an art, practiced by professionals, it is also being adopted by an increasing amount of hobbyists.
The manufacturing method has changed little over time and is much the same today as it was thousands of years ago. The conversion of silica, soda and lime (the raw materials of glass) in to glass happens at approximately 2400 degrees Fahrenheit (1315 degrees Celsius). At this temperature the glass is so hot that it glows white. There are normally fine bubbles within the glass which have to expelled, so after the glass mass has been heated it is then left for a period of time to “fine out”.
After, the furnace temperature is reduced to approximately 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. It is at this time that the glassblower will manipulate and work the glass in to it's desired shape. Once the glass has been shaped, annealing must take place, to cool the glass in to a solid state. Annealing has to be performed very slowly (few hours to a few days) in order to prevent the glass cracking.
A glassblowers principle tools are his blowpipe, pontil, marver, bench, blocks, jacks, paddles, tweezers, and an assortment of shears.
Glassblowing is an art form that demands lengthy training, a high level concentration, and lots of artistic skill. Whilst glassblowing is considered an art, practiced by professionals, it is also being adopted by an increasing amount of hobbyists.