Glass Worker's Day in Russia - November 19

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Every day humanity enjoys the fruits of labor of glass workers. Now the material has become commonplace and widespread, and when buying another piece of utensils made of glass, no one is surprised, and only fine highly artistic work causes admiration. It is hard to imagine that at one time, instead of the usual sheet glass, the windows of ordinary people were covered with a bull bladder or burbot skin. Mica windows were the height of luxury and an object of envy, not to mention glassware, which was worth its weight in gold. Ancient craftsmen sometimes had to pay for the secrets of making such familiar glass for us with their own lives.

Glass Workers Day

It is no coincidence that the professional holiday of glaziers in Russia has a date of November 19, because this is the birthday of Mikhail Vasilievich Lomonosov, the greatest Russian scientist. He managed to create a unique technology for obtaining porcelain mass and multi-colored sm alt, which was used to create many mosaic paintings. Paying tribute to an outstanding Russian scientist, since 2000Glass Industry Day is celebrated on his birthday.

How the glass was made

Even primitive man used glass of natural origin, making simple tools and weapons from obsidian and tektites - arrowheads and spearheads, knives, scrapers and axes. It is believed that obtaining glass, like many other discoveries, happened by accident, and we owe this to those distant ancestors who, for cooking and firing pottery, arranged a hearth in sand pits. The temperature during the combustion of firewood and straw was sufficient for the sand to begin to melt. It mixed with the ash, forming a glassy mass. This is evidenced by clay pots found on the sites of ancient settlements with elements of glaze on the sides and bottom.

History of glass production development

Glass products discovered during archaeological excavations in Egypt and southern Iraq testify that the Sumerians and ancient Egyptians mastered the art of making jewelry and glass mosaics more than five thousand years ago. The creations of the ancient masters were distinguished by a special elegance, but were not transparent.

Glassmaking received a big boost during the Roman Empire. Glass products became an excellent commodity for trade, which had a beneficial effect on the development of its production. Alexandria, which was under the Roman protectorate, became the main center of glass production of that time. Masters were able to achieve transparencyin the manufacture of glass, adding manganese oxide to ancient Egyptian recipes. The discovery made on that distant day can claim the title of "Ancient Glass Industry Day".

Glass began to be widely used in architecture: the era of stained-glass windows began. In the Middle Ages, European masters mastered the production of sheet glass. They blown a hollow rectangular shape and then cut and rolled it into flat sheets.

Venetian craftsmen made a huge contribution to the development of glass making. They used in their work all the latest technologies of the time. The concept of "Venetian glass" appeared, which in itself spoke of the quality and demand for these products. The secrets of glass making were strictly guarded, so it was strictly forbidden to hire foreign workers. Later, all main production was moved to the island of Murano. To this day, when visiting Italy, tourists try to buy products from the famous Murano glass.

Glass production in Russia

Archaeological excavations show that the masters of Kievan Rus were well aware of the art of glassmaking, but this craft, like many others, was lost after the invasion of the Tatar-Mongols.

The day of the glass industry worker was still far from being approved, but already in 1630 a glass factory appeared in the village of Dukhanino near Moscow, and in 1669 glass production for palace needs began at a factory in Izmailovo. Great Peter invites the bestEuropean masters, and the glass business in Russia begins to develop rapidly. There are many state-owned and private enterprises for the production of glass, and Russian maters are serious competitors to European ones.

Of course, the Day of the Glass Industry Worker was not celebrated then, but our craftsmen did not work less because of this and completely mastered the ancient art. The famous creators of the diamond pattern in the form of plants and the frosty pattern of the Zubanovs glorified the Russian glass industry. And the city of Gus-Khrustalny becomes a symbol and pride of Russian crystal production.

Glass Worker's Day in Russia

Today, this industry is developing rapidly. Various types of products are produced and mastered, the annual increase in own production is from 10 to 12%. According to experts, the domestic glass industry is successfully developing and is an important component of the country's economic potential. The day of the glass industry worker is celebrated at enterprises with solemn events and concerts, it is celebrated by all people whose professions are somehow connected with glass.

In St. Petersburg on November 19, for many years now, an exhibition dedicated to the skill of glassblowers has been held. People from different parts of the country come to see their excellent work.

We know when Glass Industry Day is celebrated in Russia, and we sincerely congratulate our modern craftsmen on their professional holiday.