News from the clubs: History with humour – the wonderful world of glass at the Active Retirement Club

Members of the Westbury Active Retirement Club (ARC) recently heard an informative talk and presentation on the ‘wonderful world of glass’ by Dr Francis Burroughes on Tuesday 13th June.

Dr Burroughes brought many glass samples with him in two large suitcases and he kept the members riveted with facts and anecdotes throughout his talk. He explained that Venetian glass is world famous and is made on the Island of Murano.

In the 13th century Venetians were very concerned about the fire risk to their wooden buildings from the glass making process; apparently it was well known glass makers couldn’t swim so they put them all on the island of Murano where they still are to this day, despite learning to swim over the last 800 years.

Naturally-occurring obsidian is a volcanic glass that was used widely in the Stone Age period; however it is generally thought glass making originated in Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt. During the late Bronze Age there was rapid growth in glassmaking technology. Evidence of glassmaking was also found in Iran and India. Glass objects have also been recovered from across the Roman world primarily in the form of containers, tiles and window glass.

Glass production continued to spread over centuries into medieval Europe. In the 12th century it was discovered that adding various impurities to the process produced coloured glass which led ultimately to magnificent coloured church windows.

In 1674 George Ravenscroft discovered that by adding lead oxide to the molten glass its appearance was dramatically improved. In 1696 his patent expired, and numerous manufacturers started exporting all over Europe. The building of the Crystal Palace in 1851 demonstrated the use of glass as a building material. The story of the development of the glassmaking process continues to this day with the Pilkington company playing a large part in these advances.

The club’s next scheduled meeting is on Tuesday 11th of July at the Horse and Groom pub. Guests can enjoy two club meetings for free before deciding if they want to join. Membership costs £10 a month. If you would like to join the ARC or would like to find out more, please call Mark on 01373 823826.