All About Glass
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This is your resource for exploring various topics in glass: delve deeper with this collection of articles, multimedia, and virtual books all about glass. Content is frequently added to the area, so check back for new items. If you have a topic you'd like to see covered, send us your suggestion. If you have a specific question, Ask a Librarian at our Rakow Research Library.
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Between 1880 and 1915, more cut glass was made in Corning, New York, than anywhere else in the country. This punch bowl was made here by local glasscutters.
Benjamin Franklin invented this strange musical instrument. It was popular in the late 18th century. Sounds were made by running moistened fingers along the rims of the glasses. Some people were afraid that this strange music would drive them crazy. This piece is featured in the Museum's app,
Glass furniture like this table was very popular in India. European glassmakers maintained showrooms that were filled with chandeliers, tables, and chairs for sale to kings and princes.
This is a medieval mystery. No one is certain where or when this cut glass beaker was made. It is named for St. Hedwig of Silesia (modern Poland). Fewer than 20 of these beakers are known to exist. This piece is featured in the Museum's app, specifically in the kid-friendly version. Download
Examine the small mosaic in its gilded frame. From a distance, it looks like an oil painting. In fact, it's made of thousands of glass tiles, some no larger than the head of a pin.
Listen as curator Tina Oldknow, describes "Red Pyramid" by Czech artists Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtová. Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtová, a husband and wife team, collaborated for more than 40 years. These artists pioneered the technique of mold melting, where
These three baskets were made to contain wedding gifts and are an example of an early form of recycling, as they were returned to their owners to be used again and again at other weddings.
Emile Gallé was an artist of genius, a poet, and a horticulturalist. He designed remarkable glass, ceramics, and furniture. The huge dragonfly that adorns this chalice-like coupe reflects Gallé's profound love of nature. Gift in part of Benedict Silverman, in memory of Gerry Lou Silverman.
Listen as curator, Tina Oldknow, describes the object "Family Matter" by American artist Jill Reynolds.
These bedside lamps, made in New England in the 1820s or 1830s, burned whale oil. This was readily available and it gave a good light. Whale oil remained popular until about 1860, when kerosene became available. Gift of Preston Bassett. This piece is featured in the Museum's app, specifically
