Course Leader: Dr Caroline McCaffrey-Howarth

In celebration of the United Nations 2022 International Year of Glass, museum curators, historians and artists will explore the global history of glass from 1650 to the present. This
6-week course follows a chronological structure, from the early modern methods of glassmaking in Venice, to experiments at 17th-century London glasshouses, and the celebrated Crystal Palace at the Great Exhibition of 1851. Bringing in historic and contemporary approaches to the study of glass, it shines a light on techniques, materials, makers and markets, and aims to celebrate the signi cant role played by glass in wider social, cultural and historical contexts. Each week we will cover a range of themes, including: materials and techniques; dining; industry; empire; historic recreation; women glass artists, and the role of gender in a largely male-dominated world.

This online course is aimed at historians, artists, museum professionals and students looking to learn more about the history of glass in celebration of the United Nations International Year of Glass.

Course Programme:

Week 1, 2. November: Materials, Makers and Markets
13:50 Introduction with Dr Caroline McCaffrey Howarth
14:00 Lecture: "Selling and Making Glass: 17th- and 18th century London", Dr Caroline McCarey-Howarth
15:30 Recorded Tour of V&A Glass Galleries, with live Q&A session, Reino Liekfes, Senior Curator, Ceramics and Glass

Week 2, 9. November: Glass Techniques
14:00 Lecture: Historic Techniques in Glass Making, James Maskrey, National Glass Centre and University of Sunderland
15:30 Live Studio Demonstration and Q&A with Bethany Wood, Glass Artist and Founder of Blowfish Gallery

Week 3, 16. November: The Global Story of Glass
14:00 Lecture: Transparency and Enlightenment; Race and Glass, Prof. Kerry Sinanan (University of Texas and Rakow Researcher, Corning Museum of Glass)
15:30 Artist Spotlight Session, in conversation with Chris Day, Glass and Ceramics Artist

Week 4, 23. November: A Glassy Society
14:00 Breaking the Ice with Glass, Canons, Blue Balls, Fountains and Fantasy Animals in the National Glassmuseum in Leerdam, Kitty Laméris, Dutch Glass Expert
15:30 Lecture: "Dining in Style in the 18th Century: The Age of Glass". Dr Kit Maxwell, Curator of Applied Arts, Art Institute Chicago. Curated "In Sparkling Company 2020-22", Corning Museum of Glass

Week 5, 30. November: Glass and Industry
14:00 Lecture: Antonio Salviati and the 19th-century revival of Venetian Glass, Reino Liefkes, Senior Curator, Ceramics and Glass
15:30 Lecture: The New Stourbridge Glass Museum (opened April 2022) and the growth of the British Glass Industry, Harrison Davies, Curator, Stourbridge Glass Museum

Week 6, 7. December: Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women and Glass
14:00 Lecture: Pioneer Women in 20th-Century Glass, Diane Wright, Curator of Glass, Toledo Art Museum
15:30 Artist in Focus: Maria Bang-Espersen

Tickets: £120.00, via: https://www.vam.ac.uk/shop/ticket?cgid=O22056_The_Age_of_Glass__1650_to_Now__Autumn_22_