Histoglass | Machine Drawn Glass

Machine Drawn Glass

MD

Approx. 1915-1960.

Our Machine Drawn Glass is made according the Fourcault principle. The Belgian Émile Fourcault invented a manufacturing process in which glass could be drawn directly from the tank at the working end of the furnace. The débiteuse, a boat-shaped slotted block made of refractory material, is pushed down into the molten glass. As the hot extruded glass rises through the slot it is grasped by the iron bait. The cooled glass then adheres to the bait and is pulled upward between water-cooled tubes, during which time it anneals. When it reaches the top of the machine, it is cut by automatic cutters.

Float

Float Glass

Late 1950s onwards.

This type of glass is most commonly seen in buildings constructed from the 1960s onwards. It can also be supplied in a tempered / toughened version or laminated safety glass.

MD

Machine Drawn Glass

Approx. 1915-1960.

Our Machine Drawn Glass is made according the Fourcault principle.

GD

Hand Drawn Glass

Approx. 1860-1920.

It has fewer imperfections than the preceding hand-drawn cylinder glass, but the upward draw gives it a wavy character. Most Victorian properties would have a version of this GD glass.

Cylinder

Cylinder Glass

Approx. 1700-1860.

This glass has a fair amount of imperfections and the ream and seed give it its distinctive characteristics. It is still produced in the traditional way by skilled craftsmen.

Obscured

Obscured Glass

Obscured glass is also known as textured, diffused or privacy glass. We have an extensive range of obscure glass, available in a vast array of colours, patterns and textures.