Investigation of Late 17th Century Crystal Glass
Author(s): C Brain, David Dungworth
This report investigates the glasses used in the manufacture of fine tablewares (crystal glass) during the late 17th century and in particular the glass produced by George Ravenscroft who is traditionally credited with the invention of lead crystal. The review of the documentary evidence available shows that the glass for which Ravenscroft obtained a patent (in 1674) probably did not contain lead. There are no unequivocal documentary references to the use of lead for such glass until the 18th century. A range of glass vessels (52 samples) and production debris from a glasshouse (8 samples) were analysed. Most of the samples are lead glasses but thirteen are alkali glasses.
- Report Number:
- 21/2005
- Series:
- CfA Reports
- Pages:
- 51
- Keywords:
- Glass Post Medieval
