Building an Ancient-Style Furnace

Join us for a conversation with the group of The Corning Museum of Glass glassmakers responsible for constructing a working wood-fueled glass furnace. We’ll discuss the challenges of constructing, firing, and making glass out of the furnace. We’ll also talk about why we went to the trouble and what we learned.
Moderator: Eric Meek, Senior Manager of Hot Glass Programs and MarCom Operations, The Corning Museum of Glass (United States)
Panelists:
Jesse Rasid, Hot Glass Programs Senior Technician
Jeff Mack, Manager, Hot Glass Programs and Projects
Catherine Ayers, Gaffer/Shop Coordinator

[@mamawolfmemories]

I’ve always wanted to make one! Ever since I saw it done in person at Angus’s house, he’s the OG on that 🔥

[@joshschneider9766]

thats the largest ancient style furnace ive seen, reminds me of the one at hebron glass alot although i do believe thats natural gas fired there. most of what ive been exposed to is archaeological reconstructions of far smaller roman style furnaces. quite impressive work all!

[@brianmacdonald3667]

How was the annealing process handled with a furnace like this?

[@joshschneider9766]

in the roman empire theyd bury the work in hay overnight.

[@joshschneider9766]

theres so many roman empire pottery shards found in britain one of their ancient furnace experts literally reused bits of genuinely roman pot to make furnaces lol