While the complete history of lampworking is very long and complicated,
with much jealousy and secrecy, even to this day, the skill itself can
be easily defined. Lampworking is defined as the art of shaping hot
glass with the use of only a small directed flame. Lampworking dates
back as far as the fifth century BC, with its roots going back even
farther, with some evidence of originating in Egypt. This skill was
termed “lampwork” as the work was done using an oil lamp
and a stream of air directed into the fire to focus the flame to a point.
In its heyday small lampworked glass objects, such as beads, were prized
possessions and even used as currency in East Asia. Despite knowing
that the beads were glass, many regarded the objects as precious gems.
This skilled art was highly regarded, and the artisans highly respected
individuals. The skill often was passed from family member from family
member to keep all their secrets from being given to enemies and foreigners;
this was known as “the Glass Curtain.” It wasn’t until
the early 1900’s that the art of lampworking started to carry
over into the U.S, but there weren’t any teaches. People wanting
to learn this craft had to fight for apprentice positions under established
artisans. During this time, an Italian father and son lampwork team
were even a part of the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey traveling
circus.
Slowly but surely, the techniques started to be shared; Italian artisans
took on American apprentices and American artists have now started to
write about their learned techniques. It wasn’t until 1983 that
the first lampworking class was introduced at a leading glass school
here in the U.S; but ever since then, lampworking has been growing in
popularity.
As of late, there has been a renewed love and respect for this art.
Many new leading glass artists have emerged over this last decade, many
of whom are very generous with their knowledge. Along with this new
generation of lampworkers, is a movement to change the name of this
art. Here in the U.S., like in the founding countries, lampworking is
now done using several different varieties of propane torches, rather
than oil lamps. So, whether the skill is called lampwork or torchwork,
the techniques remain similar, as do the amazing and beautiful results.