| About Fused Glass |
The creation of ornamental and functional glass using the fusing method is an ancient art, which dates back to
around 1500 B.C. Glass beads and rods from that time have been found in Egypt and Babylon.
Glass fusing, the method used in the glass created at Willoughby Art Glass, was used by the Egyptians and Romans
between 1500 B.C. to approximately 500 A.D. However, the method all but disappeared in favor of the blown method
of glass forming. It wasn’t until the 20th century that glass fusing techniques began to be rediscovered.
The process used to form fused glass can be explained in general terms but the process is complicated due to the
nature of glass, its incompatibility with other glasses and inclusions, and its sensitivity to rapid temperature
changes.
Colored and clear glass used in stained glass methods are determined to be compatible at the factory, then cut,
chipped or ground and arranged into a decorative manner. The design is then placed into a kiln and fired to
approximately 1480 to 1550 degrees until it is molten and fused into a flat, single piece. It is then cooled and re-fired
in the kiln on top of, or over, a mold so that the glass slumps into the shape of the mold. Each firing can take up to
12 hours or more depending on the size and thickness of the piece.
Many other techniques are used to add interest to a fused glass piece. For instance, glass powders and chips, gold
leafing, pearlizing, enameling, abrasive etching or carving, insertion of metals, wire or mesh, etc. can be used.
Further, different kiln temperatures and several re-firings can result in a wide array of textures and effects.
Most glass pieces are safe to use as functional pieces, however special care must be used with dichroic glass, as
the finish can be worn off if exposed to the scratching effects of serving utensils. Your vendor will let you know if you
have a piece with dichroic glass. Willoughby Art Glass does not use any products that contain lead.
Caring for your fused glass piece is easy. Hand wash as you would other valued tableware. Do not use abrasive
materials. Immediately dry your piece by hand to avoid any water stains that might be difficult to remove.
around 1500 B.C. Glass beads and rods from that time have been found in Egypt and Babylon.
Glass fusing, the method used in the glass created at Willoughby Art Glass, was used by the Egyptians and Romans
between 1500 B.C. to approximately 500 A.D. However, the method all but disappeared in favor of the blown method
of glass forming. It wasn’t until the 20th century that glass fusing techniques began to be rediscovered.
The process used to form fused glass can be explained in general terms but the process is complicated due to the
nature of glass, its incompatibility with other glasses and inclusions, and its sensitivity to rapid temperature
changes.
Colored and clear glass used in stained glass methods are determined to be compatible at the factory, then cut,
chipped or ground and arranged into a decorative manner. The design is then placed into a kiln and fired to
approximately 1480 to 1550 degrees until it is molten and fused into a flat, single piece. It is then cooled and re-fired
in the kiln on top of, or over, a mold so that the glass slumps into the shape of the mold. Each firing can take up to
12 hours or more depending on the size and thickness of the piece.
Many other techniques are used to add interest to a fused glass piece. For instance, glass powders and chips, gold
leafing, pearlizing, enameling, abrasive etching or carving, insertion of metals, wire or mesh, etc. can be used.
Further, different kiln temperatures and several re-firings can result in a wide array of textures and effects.
Most glass pieces are safe to use as functional pieces, however special care must be used with dichroic glass, as
the finish can be worn off if exposed to the scratching effects of serving utensils. Your vendor will let you know if you
have a piece with dichroic glass. Willoughby Art Glass does not use any products that contain lead.
Caring for your fused glass piece is easy. Hand wash as you would other valued tableware. Do not use abrasive
materials. Immediately dry your piece by hand to avoid any water stains that might be difficult to remove.
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