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Gunnar Englund Photo: Håge Mattisson / Östra Småland |
The artistry of the wooden mold-maker is an ancient craft, with all too few mastering it today, although it is of essential importance to traditional glass-blowing. |
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The design process from idea to the realisation of it in glass goes through various stages, from a drawing or free-hand blown sample to templates for molds. |
Glass by Catti Åhselius / Johansfors Glasbruk |
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The shape of the templates and the mold itself depends upon the technique the glass-blower decides to use; pontiled and hand finished, pop-cracked and flame polished, etc. |
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The mold is turned on the lathe or carved out of fresh, carefully selected knot-free wood, usually alder or beech. The surface is meticulously finished by hand with sharp knives and gouges. |
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The wooden mold-maker manufactures also blocks,shaped blocks, paddles and mold boards.Footing tools and overlay sticks are made out of pear wood. |
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When the hot glass comes in contact with the damp surface of the mold, which is soaked in water when not being used, a thin layer of steam is formed acting like a cushion between glass and mold. This is the secret behind the exquisite surface on glassware blown in wooden molds. |
Gunne Brandstedt & Joakim Slättengren /Pukebergs Glasbruk |