The Glass hotshop / Where the magic happens
“Molten glass is so magical, it takes your breath away. The white glow of heat transitioning to the most vivid orange is the closest to the burning sun in the sky a human can hold in his hands.”
— Pia Wüstenberg, Designer at Utopia & Utility
Glass making | Czechia
Mould-Blown Glass: Precision in Tradition
In the mould-blowing process, a wooden mould is crafted to the desired shape. Molten glass is then gathered on an iron pipe and blown into this mould, taking on its form as it cools. The piece is subsequently cooled in an annealer and undergoes coldworking—cutting and polishing—to achieve its final shape.
This method ensures consistency in design while embracing the unique characteristics inherent in handcrafted glass, such as small bubbles or variations in density. These features are not flaws but marks of authenticity, distinguishing our work from industrial glass production.
Bench Work | UK
Freehand Glassblowing: Artistry in Motion
For our freehand-blown collections, we collaborate with a hotshop specializing in art glassware in the rolling hills of Wiltshire, UK. Here, the glass is shaped without moulds, allowing for organic forms and subtle variations. The process requires a gaffer and a helper, working in unison to gather, shape, and blow the molten glass, maintaining constant rotation to prevent deformation.
Freehand-blown glass can be identified by its rounded, soft edges, contrasting with the flat, sharp edges of mould-blown pieces. This technique imbues each piece with a distinct character, reflecting the hands-on approach of our artisans.
Tools used in glassmaking
Embracing the Nature of Glass
Glass, a liquid form of sand mixed with other elements, is a natural material that varies in color and density. The presence of small bubbles or formations within the glass is a testament to the craft process, celebrating the material's inherent qualities. In a world where perfection often equates to industrial uniformity, we find beauty in these subtle imperfections.