The Magic of Glass

In ancient times glass-making was viewed as mysterious and magical, it was alchemy, and referred to as ‘The Art Feat and Mystery of Glass’. Sand subjected to high temperatures became jewel-like material that could be moulded into vessels, magic indeed!

It has clever physical properties, it can easily be recycled and it does not deteriorate with age or use. The chemical properties of glass make it versatile and at the ‘cutting-edge’ of technology.

In this on-line talk Kate Round looks at the colourful world of glass, how it is made and how it can be changed physically and chemically to suit its use. From bottles to bridges, optical glass to architecture; oven-ware to radiation shields, and from bending light to bendable glass.