Science Community Focus


The Art of Scientifi c Glassblowing – A Precision Skill


The art of glassblowing, always an area of fascination and popular attraction at public events, has also been a cornerstone to scientifi c advancement through the provision of vessels ranging from standard labware to precision glass components. In this science community focus, Ian Pearson gives our readers a brief insight into the activities of the BSSG which works to promote this highly skilled area of industry.


Working glass tubing and rod in an open fl ame is by its very nature perceived to be dangerous and exciting - thus the perfect example of how to attract a large audience. Members of the British Society of Scientifi c Glassblowers, whether working at universities or in the commercial world are often asked to demonstrate their skills, said Ian Pearson the current Editor of the BSSG Journal. “I remember fi rst starting glassblowing and was asked to demonstrate at a local school for children with special needs. Making animals was a pleasant change from making heat exchangers and distillation apparatus!”


The BSSG hold annual symposiums which incorporate charity auctions where glass made by members is sold with the funds donated to charities local to where each symposium takes place. In the last few years nearly £7,000 was raised this way. This year’s symposium in Edinburgh continues this good work and plans to raise money for Edinburgh’s One City Trust to promote social inclusion in the city of Edinburgh.


Edinburgh is home every April to one of the UKs largest science festivals and scientifi c glassblowing has in the past taken a prominent role. Demonstrations include the spectacular show of making (and breaking) the Prince Rupert’s Drop. This simple but effective demonstration clearly shows the power of glass and teaches in a most visual manner about stress in glass.


Many members of the Society are involved with local projects in their own communities where their unique skills have borne fruit. Several have taught youngsters as part of their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in the craft section, while others have been involved with the Prince’s Trust.


One of the objectives of the BSSG is to bring the skill of the craft to the attention of the local public and UK groups such as Women’s Guilds have often seen benefi ts from the inclusion of demonstrations by scientifi c glassblowers in their programme of events. This is especially true when audience participation has been paramount. Of all the media formats television is the most accessible and scientifi c glassblowers have been featured on many programmes. Recently one member of the BSSG was involved with Stephen Fry’s QI programme.


Although founded in 1960 primarily for scientifi c glassblowers, the society encourages anyone with an interest in glass working to join – glass as a material holds an interest for many and glassworkers provide a huge range of products, from glass beads and jewellery, to paperweights, decorative and practical vessels of every shape, size and colour and sculpture intended for purely aesthetic effect. Were it not for these artists and craftsmen throughout history, scientifi c glassblowing would not exist as a craft.


The Society also sets standards of working and training syllabi and provides examiners, certifi cates and Annual awards. It has the largest lending library of books devoted to scientifi c glass in UK, based at University of Oxford. The British Society of Scientifi c Glassblowers is just one of the many Scientifi c Glassblowing Societies around the world, and we keep close contact with many of them Ian added.


Ian Pearson BSSG Journal Editor and Chair BSSG 2014 symposium demonstrating glassblowing skills


Konstantin Kraft, now working in Norway and Lee Mulholland from Southampton University demonstrate their glassblowing skills. Pictures taken at the BSSG 2011 symposium held in North Wales


LABMATE UK & IRELAND - AUGUST 2014


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