Glass has been around for at least six thousand years. Maybe not in the form that we understand it now, but certainly a crude version that was discovered by many ancient civilizations. Stained glass, however, dates back to a mere thousand years and is usually applied to windows installed in churches or other religious buildings.
Stained glass itself is an intricate and skillful craft that requires at workable design and the ability to assemble it. In days gone by artisans were trained in the art of creating stained glass so that the images could be used in the windows of the Norman and Gothic churches. Each piece is carefully crafted to fit exactly the lead shape it is made for. Then, each piece is set into the image and must support its very own weight. Larger windows, in the past, have proved problematic when it came to fitting, because they were amazingly fragile.
Art for Glass Sake
Other forms of artistic glass are blown glass, made to create vases, paper weights, snow globes and all manner of decorative objects. Glass blowing is one of the greatest and oldest trades but still very modern in that it is still done in many places. Some of the tools used by glass blowers are the pipe, punty rod, blocks, paddles, jacks, tweezers and shears. Initially they begin by heating the pipe and dipping in the molten glass.
The blower then molds the glass by blowing into a mold or blowing freestyle to create whatever piece they are planning to create. Glass suppliers in Edinburgh might supply window glass, artistic glass or blown glass, depending on their profession. If you want decorative glass you can look in the local directory to purchase from a company who makes blown glass art or ornaments. Vases and glasses are a popular tourist purchase and you are bound to find a shot glass to take home, or a set of wine glasses for your dinner table. Edinburgh is also famous for its wool, as well as its tartan shops, so if you are visiting the area, make sure you find out if you have your own family tartan and pick up a souvenir of your visit.
Locate reliable glass suppliers in Edinburgh by contacting Edinburgh Glass & Glazing. They will tell you about the services they offer and their prices. Visit them online!
