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Re: [OM][OT] Just Another Day... the other kind of glass!

Subject: Re: [OM][OT] Just Another Day... the other kind of glass!
From: andrew fildes <afildes@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2003 07:58:29 +1000
Not quite - this is one of those US-English language problems again! Technically, 'stained glass' refers to glass that has images painted on with enamels (paints based on glass powder) and then fused on in a kiln, This is typical church work where glass pieces with saint's faces painted on will be used in a leadlight window. In the US and occasionally elsewhere, almost all glass construction for windows, lampshades, etc. has become known as 'stained glass' work but this is technically incorrect. Work using lead 'came' is generally known as 'leadlight' and copper foil work (where glass pieces are edges with copper strip and then soldered together) as 'Tiffany', after its inventor. Opal or opalescent glass is made by taking a white or pastel base glass and dribbling other coloured glasses on to it before passing it through untextured rollers. The result is highly unpredictable, individual and unrepeatable - I have a couple of pieces that are too beautiful to cut for a project - one like a japanese traditional landscape in effect. The result is often layers of colour and it can change character remarkably, depending on how it is lit - unexpected colours and shapes appear with stronger light. It is typically used for lampshades and small pieces like boxes. The most common type available here is the American Ourouboros glass which tends to feature a ring mottle effect. These glasses are very difficult to use well and bloody hard to cut neatly - thank gawd for diamond wheel grinders!
AndrewF



At 05:37 AM 8/11/03, you wrote:
Just very briefly: What IS "opalescent" glass? What is
it used for? For decorative glassware?

It's more commonly known as "stained glass" but opalescent goes beyond that using multiple colors, different types of glass, textures and creating general patterns of the colors (e.g. curtain) in how its rolled out. It was used by Tiffany in making Victorian era lampshades (and other objects) and the opalescent and irridescent glasses were used heavily between 1900-WWI for what is known as "Mission" or "Arts & Crafts" or "Prairie" style furnishings. What name is used to describe the "period" depends on what region of the world and U.S. in particular you're in. Frank Lloyd Wright's style was called "Prairie" while the Stickley Bros. created "Mission" furnishings.

SNIP



Thanks,
-- John


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