Festival of Stuff: Morning Session – Lampworking a Whistle

Festival of Stuff Member Events Public Events

Lampworking is one of the most ancient glassmaking techniques, with examples dating back to the 5th century BC. While the technology has moved on from the original oil lamps, this simple and sustainable way of softening and shaping glass is growing in popularity beyond the classic laboratory equipment, bead and paperweight production to neon light installations and fine art practice.

In this hands-on session led by Dr Shelley James, participants will use the latest generation of portable flameworking torches fuelled by a simple gas canister to explore basic techniques: heating, shaping, blowing simple forms and creating holes. We will use these to create small warbling whistles from test tubes. If time allows, we will also experiment with approaches to decoration. Your pieces will be annealed overnight (heated and cooled down to reduce structural stresses created by the process) and ready for collection the following day or during the Saturday open day from the shop.

Dr Shelley James trained in textiles and printmaking before completing a PhD by practice in the Ceramics and Glass Department at the Royal College of Art. Her practice combines traditional approaches with the development of new techniques to explore the creative potential of glass.