Stourbridge Glass; history of the Industry

Kate Round


Organisation:
DMBC Museum Service
Region:
West Midlands
Notice Period:
Regular (more than one month's notice)
Type:
Professional
Fee:
Paid: £45 plus mileage at .45p/mile from DY8 4AZ
Category:
History
Updated:
6th October 2020

This talk is a good introduction to the subject of Stourbridge Glass, and traces the roots of Stourbridge glassmakers back to the 8thC BC, from The Alabastron of Sargon II to their arrival in Stourbridge. We explore the hot side of the industry, the workings of our unique glass cones, and the distinctions between the hot and cold side of the industry. I explain how glass is made, the source of the ingredients and the importance of the canals and associated trades. On to the cold side of the industry we look at the innovations in glass decorating and the skills and fame of local craftsmen including the reproduction of The Portland Vase. This is a fascinating look at how the geology of Stourbridge shaped its history, its wealth and the health and working lives of its people.

Views: 1242 | Enquiries: 12

About Kate Round

My name is Dr Kate Round; I am an outreach presenter and tour guide for Dudley Museum Service

In the glass industry, my interests include the historical development of the industry in the Stourbridge district, how the geology and geography impacted on the wealth and sociology of the area, driven by the rivalries of our Glass Dynasties.

In my previous life, I was a research chemist and lecturer so understand the chemistry of glass having worked on the synthesis of ‘zeolites’ (silica based materials) with my work published in International Journals.

I have always lived in the Black Country and have a strong industrial family heritage, I have also been proud to serve my community as a local Magistrate for twenty years.

Find out more at www.kateround.com


Send a message to the speaker

If you are interested in this talk and wish to contact the speaker, please complete the following form:

 
Please provide your contact name
 
Please provide the name of your group
 
Your phone number so that the speaker can contact you
 
Your email address so that the speaker can contact you
 
Give details about the event, time of day and location
Prove you are human please.
Use the slider to drag the puzzle so that the top and bottom are aligned , or use an alternate text based challenge by clicking here.
If a person is called Edward, what is their name?
 

Site Search

Search across all speakers, topics and tags. Put your search term in the box and press enter or hit search

Use quotes around exact multiple word searches, eg "winston churchill".