The history of glass and glass decoration extends back at least to the ancient Egyptians, who made small vessels of dark glass and decorated them with glass threads of contrasting colors. Occasionally glass vessels were also engraved on the lapidary's wheel. Today, the ancient art and craft of decorating glass continues to flourish among artists and crafters attracted by its combination of artistic beauty and skilled craftsmanship. Unfortunately, until the publication of this book, there were few if any practical instruction guides for beginners in this exciting and deeply rewarding field. A well-known British artist and glass engraver, Barbara Norman has exhibited her glass widely and has won numerous awards. In this clear, profusely illustrated guide, she offers a comprehensive introduction to the history, materials, tools, and techniques of glass engraving and other forms of glass decoration. After introductory chapters on the development of glass, methods of glassmaking, decorating techniques and choosing glass, the author discusses various engraving techniques in detail: diamond point engraving, drill engraving, and copper-wheel engraving. Aspiring glasscrafters will also find excellent coverage of such interesting techniques as gold engraving under glass, painting glass, and applying glass to glass: mosaics, glass collage, glass fusing and glass forming. Most of the methods do not require a studio or workshop and call for relatively inexpensive materials. Ideal for the novice or moderately experienced glassworker, this well-written, easy-to-follow guide will enable glasscrafters to bring decorative beauty and artistic flair to glasses, tumblers, bowls, vases, plates — almost any glass object. Beautiful engraved or decorated glass is perfect for personalized gift-giving or for adding a note of elegance to any home.

Step-by-step instructions for diamond burr engraving. Four complete projects plus expert advice on choosing glass, lighting and arranging finished pieces, much more. 117 illustrations. List of Supply Sources.

The Techniques of Glass Engraving by Peter Dreiser and the late Jonathan Matcham is a classic, unique in its field. Considered the doyen of British glass engravers, Peter Dreiser has fully updated the text for this second edition with Katharine Coleman, one of the leading contemporary glass artists of today. It is now 4-colour throughout with superb new images illustrating the work of a new generation of contemporary glass engravers. The many techniques covered include copper wheel engraving, synthetic wheel engraving, cut glass, brilliant cutting, diamond point, drill engraving, glass etching and sandblasting. This book is one of the very few on the practical aspects of this craft, of interest to student and the interested public alike. Comprehensive information, examples and exercises for the student are all accompanied with clear photographs, of work in progress and the finished item.

It is the transparent quality of glass that makes engraved glass special. The fusion of remarkable technical skill with artistic vision and the hard unforgiving medium of glass through which light passes gives engraved glass its special magic. For many years the authors have been impressed by the reactions of the general public to engraved glass at exhibitions. Awe, wonder, and fascination are amongst the emotions displayed, To the lay person it has many of the qualities, and much of the magic, of Christmas. The question which is most often asked is, 'How can we find out more about glass engraving?' This book sets out to fill this need by bringing together a collection of 148 full colour photographs of work by nearly seventy of the finest glass artists working today around the world. Their talent illustrates the immense diversity of styles, techniques and imaginative force which characterise contemporary glass engraving. The purpose is to excite, astonish and to kindle a greater interest and lasting enthusiasm in those enthusiasts who may previously have been unaware of the amazing variety of output from today's glass artists.

"This original collection gathers the finest woodcuts of one of the most creative and prolific English artists of the early 20th century. Ranging from the religious to the erotic, featured designs include images inspired by The Song of Songs, The Canterbury Tales, and The Four Gospels. A feast for the eyes and an important and accessible reference. "--

Jointly published by the National Gallery of Victoria and Macmillan Publishers Australia this book is the first publication to document in depth the nature, extent and history of the National Gallery of Victorias celebrated glass collection. Its author, and expert on the art of glass, Geoffrey Edwards, has selected the most magnificent works from the collection, each reproduced in colour, as the basis for a broader discussion of the history of glassmaking in the worlds leading production centres, from the ancient Mediterranean to the present day. With fine photographs by Garry Sommerfeld, this book provides a most spectacular visual array.