2006 UK holiday 7: St Helens World of Glass (page 4/6)

Re-heating the glass

The rod is placed on the holder, which has wheels and runs on a track; the holder is moved forwards, putting the glass into the kiln.

Re-heating the glass 2

The rod is placed on the holder, which has wheels and runs on a track; the holder is moved forwards, putting the glass into the kiln.

Preparing the joint

The second worker has got another rod with some red-hot glass; they join the two rods by rolling at the same speed.

Preparing the joint 2

The second worker has got another rod with some red-hot glass; they join the two rods by rolling at the same speed.

Preparing the joint 3

Here you can see the metal foil effect, perhaps.

Preparing the joint 4

The second worker has got another rod with some red-hot glass; they join the two rods by rolling at the same speed.

Glass ghosts

After transferring the glass vessel from one rod to the other, it is partially reheated. At this point the base has been made, but not the top. [more...]

Opening the lip

The glassworkers work together. One rolls the rod and holds metal pincers inside to shape out the rim of the vase; the other uses a water-soaked “wood” to force the shape. [more...]

Molten glass kiln

This is (as I understand it) the hottest kiln, at about 1200 degrees Celsius.

Shaping the inside

Using a tool to shape out the inside of the glass vase by pushing out against the “wood” held by the other worker.