Glassblowing is an art form dating back to Roman times. Since the early 18th century the rich natural resources and fireclay, which lined the furnaces, made it the perfect location for the industry. Stourbridge glass is recognised as amongst the finest in the world and has been used countless times as gifts for royalty and visiting Dignitaries.
Glassblowing Techniques
Glassblowing is a technique that involves inflating molten glass into a bubble, or parison, using a blowing iron.
Firstly the tip of the blowing iron is pre-heated and then dipped into the molten glass stored in the furnace, this is known as the gather. The ball of molten glass gathered is blown into a bubble using the blowing iron and then rolled onto a table called a marver; this is usually a thick sheet of steel that lies flat. The glass bubble is blown and re-heated until it is the correct size.
Using a tool called tweezers the glass bubble is then reshaped and detail created. In addition special paddles are used to design flat areas in the glass.
Glassblowing Demonstrations
Glassblowing demonstrations take place at Red House Glass Cone weekends between 1.30pm-3.30pm.
Group demonstrations must be by prior arrangement.
Make a Booking
Please contact us for further information or to make a booking.
