Itinerant glassworkers were lampworkers (or flameworkers), which means they used a flame to soften and manipulate rods and tubes of glass. Although their equipment was smaller and more compact than that of a glassblower, it gave them the ability to be mobile, and by no means limited the variety of techniques they demonstrated to crowds.
Glassworkers took advantage of the public’s interest in their art by incorporating the process of making glass pieces into their shows. They used a range of techniques, including spinning, working, silvering, weaving, and blowing. Some skills required special equipment, like a wheel used to spin fine strands of glass. Others just took practice and concentration.
The Dutch glassworker in 1670.
A glassworker, possibly Mrs. F.A. Owen, holds up spun glass. You can see the wheel used to make the fibers to the left. Glass Exhibition Featuring Spinning Wheel and Glass Steam Engine, 1904. Collection of the Rakow Research Library, The Corning Museum of Glass, CMGL 131372.
A glassworker, likely William Allen, adds details to a flameworked ship. Madame Nora’s Original Troupe of Glassblowers, 1876? Collection of the Rakow Research Library, The Corning Museum of Glass, CMGL 132079.
F.A. Owen spins glass on a large wheel. Pamphlet Advertising Glass Blowing Exhibition, 1904. Collection of the Rakow Research Library, The Corning Museum of Glass, CMGL 131361.
Mr. Hermann demonstrates flameworking. The wheel on the left is for spinning glass fibers. Curiosity Highly Gratified Mr. Hermann, Artist in Glass. Hull, England: T. Topping, 1814. Collection of the Rakow Research Library, The Corning Museum of Glass, CMGL 112177.
Common demonstrations included making ships, birds with spun glass tails, animals, pipes, and spinning and silvering glass. The glassworkers made examples of these items and others before the show to give or sell to attendees.
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