History of lampworking?

[Cosmo]

I have to give a lecture and demo at the opening of our new art museum here in town. The demo I have no problem with, but I don't know all that much about the history of lampworking. So, if anyone can point me in the right direction to find some good information, it would be greatly appreciated.

[shark bait]

If you can get your hands on a copy of Contemporary Lampworking, the first chapter is on the origins lampworking.

[jr23]

Great source sharky. Soon as Cosmo reads that he will probably go that route.

[richsantaclaus]

Maybe look at these:

http://www.theglassmuseum.com/lampwork.html

http://lampworking-supply.com/lampworking-history/

[Aussie]

remember to throw in some funnies ;)

[skip]

Fred Birkhill had a great lecture at the gas conference about the history of the burner. It was very informative and may be a good reference for your work.

[lava flow]

I can't wait for Henry's book

[mer]

bob snodgrass has amassed a ton of info on the history of glassblowing/lampworking. he has it all on his website (http://www.snodgrass.net/knowledge/know.html).

[shark bait]

Fred Birkhill had a great lecture at the gas conference about the history of the burner. It was very informative and may be a good reference for your work.

Here is a link to a podcast made by Marcie Davis. She talks to Fred Birkhill and Bruce Lawerence (bethlehem burners)

edit: Sorry jr, here is the link

http://www.fireladyproductions.com/Site/Podcasts/Entries/2008/6/17_Burner_Bash!_A_Brief_History_of_Torches.html

[jr23]

Where is the link

[boxfan willy]

http://www.artofvenice.com/art/Lampwork1.htm
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Lampworking

Mickelsen had Mondo Fiamma up for a minute, but I can't find it on the web now. It was a very good resource for the history. Here is an exerpt...
http://www.theglassmuseum.com/lampwork.html
http://www.beadbabe.com/archives/html/the_history_of_lampworking.html

Also, Shane Fero really has the goods on the early American history of lampworking and glassmaking. The very first factory in Roanoke was a glass bead factory to allow shiny trade objects for the Indians.

Dudley Giberson has a lock on ancient lampwork, which dates back as much as 5400 years ago to a site in Nuzi(less than a 100 miles from modern day Baghdad). He has studied with archaeologists and historians on site, as well as studied the actual 5000 yo pieces, tested them. He worked with the Smithsonian to coo berate his findings. Check out "Volcano Dream"
http://www.joppaglass.com/videos/night%20file/volcano.html

Also, you could call the very helpful ladies at the Rakow library in Corning, NY. That is how I did my research for the A Brief History of Lampworking that was in The Flow newsletter and also re-printed in Lammaga magazine(Japanese lampwork pub).
PM me if you want me to send you a pdf of that article. I pulled from Bandhu, Mondo Fiamma and about 30 different references provided by the Rakow.

It is very interesting research that made me appreciate pre-pulled color rods, triple mix torches and electric ovens. Could you imagine making pieces over a fire of hay and horseshit.

Respect,

boxfan

[Robert Mickelsen]

Thanks for the references about the article I originally wrote for Vetro magazine over ten years ago. As proud as I am of that work I consider Bandhu's history in his book Contemporary Lampworking to be a superior and more accurate work. I recommend using that reference.

I pulled Mondo Fiamma some years ago because the information was dated. I originally intended for it to be a contemporary "snapshot" of the international flameworking scene. But flameworking grew so quickly that it was hopelessly out of date by the late 90's. I thought for a while about updating it, but the task proved too daunting. Flameworking has grown into a much larger more complex industry in the past ten years.

[matte eskuche]

wow, wil.

good to have you here. you learn something new everyday.

[boxfan willy]

Robert,

Thanks for clarifying about Mondo Fiamma. There is still some great historical info. Thanks for taking the time to put it together. If it wasn't for folks like you, Bandhu, Dudley,Shane and Fred, the info on our predecessors would not be so available. It is humbling to know your roots.

Speaking of that, Paul Stankard wrote a kick ass article for Glassline in the new issue about Rennaisance lampworking, especially Nevers, France sculptures. Freakin unbelievable work.

Respect,

boxfan