Glass fiber is a material that most of us encounter on a daily basis, but we rarely pause to consider its history or significance. Charlotte Holzer, a textile conservator and Ph.D. candidate, has spent the past year researching the history and conservation of handmade glass fibers. Her work at The Corning Museum of Glass was made possible through the Museums Rakow Grant for Glass Research, which has a long history of supporting research on glass materials and techniques.
In a recent interview, Holzer shared some of the insights she gained during her research. She explained that glass fibers have a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations such as Rome and Egypt. These early fibers were made by stretching glass into thin, hair-like strands that could be spun into textiles or used as decoration.
In the modern era, glass fibers have become an important industrial material. They are used in everything from construction materials to textiles to electronics. However, the majority of glass fibers used today are machine-made, with only a small percentage of handmade fibers remaining.
Holzer's research focused specifically on the conservation of handmade glass fibers. She explained that these fibers are often more delicate than machine-made fibers, and require special care in order to be preserved. Her work at The Corning Museum of Glass involved examining a collection of handmade glass fibers, and developing conservation strategies to ensure their longevity.
Overall, Holzer's research has helped shed light on the history and significance of handmade glass fibers. Through her work, she has highlighted the importance of preserving these fragile materials for future generations. Thanks to the Rakow Research Grant, she was able to delve deeper into this fascinating topic and contribute to our understanding of glass materials and techniques.