Issue 06

Material: Soda-Lime Glass

Soda-lime is a common type of glass that is used in many products such as windows, light bulbs, bottles and art. The presence of lime in its chemical make-up helps soften glass so it can be re-shaped into different uses. Between the 15^th and 17^th centuries, the Venetians were the leaders in glass production.  Later on, competition and advancement from new glass producers in France, England, Germany and Bohemia shifted the dynamics of the market and craft.

Modern Use: Love Plates   

At the foot of the Egge Hills in Germany toward the southern end of the famous Teutoburg forest, is the spa town of Bad Driburg.  It is also home to a 500 year old glass industry.  For centuries, its forests benefitted the pockets of landowners and attracted glassblowers and traders to the area due to the abundance of resources.

Glassblowers relied on trees as fuel to heat their furnaces, and more importantly used the leftover potash from the burnt wood to mix with lime and silica to make glass.  Love Plates is a modern day example of soda-lime glass. Bohemia Cristal, a company that merged with one of Bad Dribug’s historic glass making companies, Walther Glas which dates back to 1865, combined their expertise to launch the colourful new line of tableware in 1998.

Names like Fir, Baileys, Ketchup, Whale and Limoncello describe Love Plates’ rainbow palate of colours (there are 50 in total). The soda-lime glassware has a unique quality thanks to the free pressing process used to create its different shapes and sized bowls, platters, candle holders, plates and cups.

Photo Source: Love Plates