A potted history of some of the greatest art glass makers from right across the globe. From Roman right up to 21-century artists.
Glassblowing has been present in Venice for over 1000 years. It is believed that Murano Glass making has existed since the 8th century and is the oldest operating glass-blowing community in the world. It was Europe’s first major glass-making centre. Beautiful NEW Murano Glass by Gianluca Vidal – CLICK HERE TO SEE THEM ALL Venice […]
Murano Glass, A History Of Continue Reading »
The Beginnings of Bohemian Glass Bohemian glass production began in about 300BC, and by the 10th Century the Bohemian furnaces were producing glass costume jewellery (bijouterie) The expression Bohemian (from bohème, or bohèmien) surfaced around the mid-nineteenth century in France in relation to the erroneous idea that freedom-loving gipsy travellers came from Bohemia. Bohemian art glass,
Bohemian Glass and Eastern European Glass Continue Reading »
It’s not just Bristol Blue Glass that Bristol is well known for. If you ask people what is Bristol is famous for, you will get a myriad of answers as this west country city is famous for many things. Most likely answers would include Isambard Brunel’s, Shipbuilding and the term ‘Shipshape and Bristol Fashion’ and
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The Brilliant Period: When Art Glass Makers Shone In America During the first 100 years of America’s existence as an independent nation, elegance was largely imported. The, as yet, untamed former colony looked to Paris for its fashion and decor, while German, Bohemian, and English art glass makers set the tone for glass and crystal.
Art Glass Makers: The Brilliant Period – Shining in America Continue Reading »
Anyone who’s taken a history class has heard of the Silk Road. Its mystique continues to fascinate us; young and old alike delight in tales of exotic goods being carried over miles of windswept steppes and snow-capped mountains. Stories of Marco Polo and other explorers perennially inspire young imaginations to dream of grand adventures in
German Art Glass: The Lost Highway Of Europe’s ‘Glass Road’ Continue Reading »
Venetian art glass has been incredibly popular since around the 8th century. Made in Venice, Italy, almost exclusively on the island known as Murano, Venetian glass is unmistakable due to its colourful, bold, and elaborate designs. During the Middle Ages, the Venetian Republic was one of the wealthiest and most powerful republics in all of
Venetian Art Glass – Unique Facts About Murano Glass Continue Reading »
The Medium With A Message: Hazel MacLennan’s Environmentally-Conscious Hand Blown Art Glass Any collector of hand blown art glass knows that this art form has the power to deeply enrich our lives on an individual level. In brightening and beautifying our homes, blown glass uplifts our minds and our spirits, creating an oasis of peace
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Loetz was one of the leading Bohemian art glass makers, working in the Art Nouveau era. The Loetz Art Glass company was founded by Johann Loetz in 1840 and became renowned for its bold colours, ground-breaking techniques and organic forms. Loetz art glass was at its peak between around 1890-1920, with its products being manufactured
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Before the industrial revolution centralised the production of goods in urban areas, the forests and towns of central Europe were peppered with small glassworks. The craft was, for many, a way of life. Whole families would spend their days shaping glass pieces from furnace to finish, with the finest details often being painted by the
Kosta Boda Glass: The Triumph Of The ‘Kingdom Of Crystal’ Continue Reading »
Scandinavia is a region defined by its natural splendour: From long aurora-lit winter nights to clear streams full of striving wild fish and forests resplendent with soaring pines, this northern landscape is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s therefore unsurprising that natural hues and motifs often make their way into the best Swedish art glass, with
Swedish Art Glass: The History Of Orrefors Glassworks & Graal Glass Continue Reading »