The technique of glassblowing appeared in Jerusalem in the middle of the first century B.C., and over the course of the next century, this discovery led to additional extraordinary technological developments. Shortly after the discovery of glassblowing, the glassmaker Ennion established the production of mold-blown glass, a technique that revolutionized ancient glass production. This presentation, given by William Gudenrath in February 2015, includes images of historical objects and video showing the reconstructed ancient processes that paved the way for the amazing accomplishments of Ennion.
William Gudenrath is a glassblower, scholar, lecturer, and teacher as well as the Resident Advisor of The Studio. He is an authority on the study and recreation of historical hot glassworking techniques from ancient Egypt through the Renaissance, and has presented lectures and demonstrations around the world.
The exhibition Ennion and His Legacy: Mold-Blown Glass from Ancient Rome, on view May 16, 2015 to January 4, 2016, brings together rare mold-blown masterworks by Ennion and other Roman glassmakers. The Museum’s president and executive director, ancient glass expert Dr. Karol Wight, will explore the mold-blown glass of ancient Rome in a Behind the Glass lecture on June 11, 2015 at 6:00 pm. The lecture is free and open to the public. This lecture will also be streamed live. Connect to our Ustream channel on June 11 at 6 pm EST to watch.