Glassblower's bench (chair)

A glassblower's bench supports work on hot glass. The traditional bench has arms supporting the blowpipe, which is rolled backwards and forwards during shaping to keep the glass symmetrical.

Bench and team

Corning Museum of Glass uses chair both for this bench and for the team assisting the gaffer. Historical descriptions therefore require context. The equipment should not be confused with an ordinary seat or a marver, the flat surface used for rolling glass.

Historic equipment

Photograph the arms, seat, frame and alterations. Record dimensions and documented workshop provenance. Shape and wear alone cannot establish a particular glassworks. Keep reported use separate from information supported by archives or museum records.

Sources

• Corning Museum of Glass: Chair