A Journey with Glass
With the eyes of historians and archaeologists we experience the history of glass making as a time journey. In the midst of our present times the history of European civilisation opens up, whilst we follow found objects, fragments and shards, contemporary writings and images. The traces and testimonies of roaming glass makers and glass technologists, and of glass traders, consumers, politicians or philosophers in the European metropolises show how glass production was developed on through the centuries. We learn, which needs of representation glass served in various cultural epochs, and how innovation in glass always went hand in hand with the seismic changes of society.
A JOURNEY WITH GLASS
Glass fascinates. Molten from simple raw materials at a very temperature it plays with light, transparency and colour. Formed when hot, it is cut, engraved, mirrored or decorated with motifs when cold.
The technology involved and styles used are in a constant state of development in a forum of international exchange. Glass not only serves everyday use but also expresses the ideals and demands of its time. The prestige of glass results from the work and expertise of many hands.
Wars and bankruptcy mark endings, but also new beginnings.
The first round leads us through the cultural history of Europe with glass as our chosen exponent.
Starting with the earliest pieces of glass found in the Near East, our journey then takes us to European countries, regions and towns, showplaces for innovation and the spirit of the time. Travelling in time from epoch to epoch we will hear about glass-traders, glassworks’ owners, glass-workers and craftsmen.
Time and again we turn our attention to the Bavarian and Bohemian glass regions and their special position in European glass culture.
(Introduction text in the Glass Museum Frauenau)