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According to Pliny the first glassblowers established themselves
in Gaul during the 1st century a.d., the period during which the
glass blowing tube was invented.
Place names such as "verrerie" or "verrerie vieille" seem to confirm
the presence of numerous production points in Provence. Actually,
these places were essentially mobile, depending on various economic
factors. The availability of raw materials, silicon sand, glass-wort,
manpower, combustible fuel determine production.
In addition the master glassblower must build his ovens, and create
his pots and crucibles with the local resources. He must also base
himself near trade axes in order to sell his wares.
While silicon sand can be found in abundance in riverbeds or on
beaches, as well as the varec or salicorne needed to make glass-wort,
the destruction of wood resources - birch, poplar, pine, and oak
- explains the constant relocation of glassworks. To obtain a certain
kind of glass the oven must be heated with a specific wood essence.
In addition, because the melting point for glass is very high and
difficult to obtain the fire must be prevented from dying down.
In Provence, glass is used to answer various and diverse needs.
Apart from windowpanes, there is the transparent glass for bottles
and jugs used to ship wine and oils or for the jars used to store
fish and olives, blue or yellow tinted glass for flower waters,
and black glass for truffle jars.
Beginning in the 18th century this production is complemented by
luxury or ornamental items : chandeliers, candleholders, fonts,
table buckets, girandoles, writing cases... The arrival of the railroad
in Provence during the 19th century, providing coal as a more reliable
way to fuel the ovens, will revolutionize production.
Assortment of Provençal glass - 18th and 19th centuries
Assortment of Provençal glass - 18th and 19th centuries
Glass candlestick - Provence
- 19th century
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