Restoration Glass LtdRestoration Glass LtdWe stock a large range of restoration glass.
Our principal P1 Clear Restoration Glass is suitable for sashes and Georgian leaded lights, and it can be laminated to meet current safety regulations. Please contact us for details.
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 P13 |
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 P17 |
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 P21 |
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 P26 |
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The origin of glass making is unknown, although earliest evidence discovered by archaeologists suggests Syria as the seat of origin. Glass making specifically for the use in windows, was widely used by the Romans who were casting glass onto a plate.
Specialisation in window glass developed in the Seine and Rhine areas of France and Germany, due to reasons of climate and increase of window space in the buildings of medieval society. Two methods were used - the cylinder method and the crown method. Eventually other methods were discovered such as cast glass, rolled glass and sheet glass. These labour intensive methods gradually disappeared as machinery took over the role of humans, and we are left with the float process, producing perfect glass.
The only traditional method of flat glass making left is the cylinder process, also known as broad or sheet glass. Basically the glass is gathered on the end of the pipe and placed on a block of wood hollowed out to the diameter required, and is then blown to the required dimensions. The glass is then re-heated. When ready, the blower swings the pipe in a vertical plane and inflates the glass until it is elongated into a cylinder of the required size.
Next a lump of molten glass is attached, and the cylinder is blown until the heated part yields it open. The cylinder is then re-heated and opened out by rotation. It is next laid on a wooden horse and detached from the pipe by the application of a cold iron. It is then split down the length by cutting or the use of a hot iron.
The split cylinder is then passed into the flattening chamber re-heated and flattened on a smooth stone with the use of a “polissoir” or block of wood on the end of a rod. It is then passed into the annealing chamber.
This method of making glass may vary slightly from country to country. At present there are three factories left in Europe - Jaslo in Poland, Lamberts in Germany and St Just in France. There is also Blenko in the USA making a small amount of cylinder glass.
This process has survived because there is still a demand for this type of glass. The colour range is limitless; the glass is used ecclesiastically, commercially, domestically and for restoration purposes. It is also easier to make in comparison to any of the other processes.
All of our restoration glass is supplied by Tatra Glass. They also supply antique glass, coloured glass and stained glass as well as glass supplies, glass accessories and glazing accessories.
