Virtual Tour of Langham Glass

The Glasshouse

Glass-making is first and foremost a team operation. Led by the master glass-maker, seated in his steel-framed chair, each member of the team (or 'chair') has a series of precise tasks to perform, each requiring split-second co-ordination.

The process begins with 'bit-gathering' - the gathering of the required amount of glass from the furnace on the end of the rod or 'gathering-iron'. Bit-gathering and mould-holding are the first jobs the new apprentice is required to undertake.

The iron, with the molten glass, is then handed to the master in the chair.

The master rolls the glass into a basic shape on the 'marver' - a solid slab of asbestos or steel - and blows hard into the iron, sealing the end of the pipe with his thumb. The air trapped inside expands with the heat, forcing a bubble into the glass. From then on, depending on what is being made, the glass is either blown downwards for a thick-bottomed item like a tumbler, or upwards if say a thin-bottomed wine glass is being made.

Sometimes, in order to speed production, the glass is blown into a specially carved mould made from either apple-wood, carbon or graphite.

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Langham Glass Ltd. Sculthorpe Boulevard, Tattersett Business Park, East Rudham, Norfolk, NR21 7RL Email: enquiries@langhamglass.co.uk

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