Blown Glass

The art of a gaffer (glassblower) is one that truly astounds. Working with glass in a semi-liquid state, these people make wondrous pieces of art. From what we can tell, the art originated in Syria around the first Century BC, being used to make vessels for water and wine.

From here, the methods touched other areas of the Roman world, the information and samples being carried along trade routes. Thus it was that Venice would become the center of glass making, especially by the medieval era.

Blown glass collectibles come in all sizes, shapes, colors and styles to match your budget and tastes!

Interestingly enough, the current glassblowing trend is relatively new compared to the ancientness of this art. In the 1960s the Toledo Museum of Art experimented with glass, and from there small furnace work became more available to eager creators. Don’t be fooled, however, it takes more than a heat source and desire to make Blown glass. Even a hobbyist needs a fair amount of training and practice.

Some museums and studios will walk curious onlookers through the process of making a glass piece. It all begins with heating glass to above 2000 degrees. At this point the bubbles start rising, and the glass returns to the fires now at a slightly cooler 2000 degree temperature. This keeps the glass molten.

At this stage the glassblower may utilize various materials including the most recognizable blowpipe. The pipe gathers glass on one end, which the blower shapes using a steel sheet.

Hand blown art glass is an artform and a craft that can only be fully appreciated when you see the process firsthand in an art glass studio.

This cools the glass a bit, and begins the shaping process over which a larger glass bubble goes along with bits of colored glass. The neophyte watching or participating might be given heavy gloves and massive prongs with which to pull the glass into shape (a common theme being flowers). Of course, this is only one example of a very diverse art.

As with any collectible, finding a personally-preferred theme, era, design etc. is a good first step to shaping your collection. And as with any breakable, it’s good to prepare your home with suitable display cases in which to both show off and protect your investment for many years to come.