creation

making process

making techniques

Throughout history, countless techniques and tools have been invented to melt, shape, cool and subsequently work glass. The overview below can be used to classify techniques applied to glass objects in museum collections, including historical glass. Some terms are included only in the glossary. Some techniques are described and illustrated below because they are associated with objects featured on this platform.

Material

— colourless
— transparent
— opaque
— coloured
  colours ...

Techniques

— free blown
— mould blown
— flameworking
— core forming
— pressed
— pâte de verre

Hot-formed techniques

— overlay
— appliqué
— optic blown
— iridescence
— filigree
— mosaic
— coloured glass
— crackle glass
— air bubbles / spirals

Low temperature techniques

— enamelling
— lustre
— gilding

Cold-working techniques

— engraving
— wheel engraving
— diamond-point engraving
— stippling
— etching
— cutting
— polishing
— sandblasting
— gilding
— silvering
— adhesive bonding

To assess the condition of glass, it is important to understand the ‘defects’ that occur during the manufacturing process.