Glassac14 - Introduction

Glass Science in
Art and Conservation
Durham - 10th to 12th September
York - Saturday 13th September

Durham Castle
article posted 6 Sep 13

The glass community world wide embraces many diverse strands of glass expertise. This conference in September 2014 is designed to weave together those diverse strands to create a web of knowledge and experience which transcends barriers and divisions.

We are so different. Scientists and Art Historians, creative Artists and inspired Designers, Archaeologists and gritty Industrialists, Engineers and Conservators of historic glass artefacts - the list is seemingly endless. But we are united by our obsessive fascination with glass.

Sadly our community is blighted by the legendary Curse of Babel. Each strand of glass expertise develops its own jargon, method of speaking, circle of knowledge. Unconsciously we form inward-facing groups. It’s hard to cross over these artificial barriers and share our enthusiasms and perplexities with colleagues from other strands. All too often, we don’t understand one another. Our creativity and our achievements are thereby diminished.

This conference, like previous conferences in the GLASSAC series, is dedicated to breaking down barriers, building bridges, and allowing us to share our glassy passions with experts from other strands. For once, let’s meet one another in mutual respect and talk to one another in plain language, so that together we may learn.

So the scope of GLASSAC14 embraces all strands of glass knowledge, celebrating those occasions when one area of glass expertise has collaborated with and been of help to another different area. And we invite Authors to contribute posters and exhibitions from the growing points of their particular strand of glass passion. Don’t wait for your endeavours to become stale and old - bring work-in-progress as well as finished achievements, experiences which raise questions as well as those which provide answers.

The programme gives each paper or presentation a 20 minute time slot, (40 minutes for Keynote Lectures) and we ask presenters to allow time for active discussion and debate within the slot. Each paper can be a catalyst, fomenting creative engagement across the diversity of glass interest. The organisers fervently hope that out of this will come a cascade of new thinking and creative new friendships.

Call for Posters
article posted 19 Apr 2014
As well as the oral presentations at the GLASSAC14 Conference, we plan to offer delegates the chance to present posters - though not in the traditional format of cardboard on display panels. Our ePoster format presents the poster material on screen throughout the conference, and in addition makes all posters available electronically to delegates for access using smartphones, tablets or laptops. For full details please click here.
ePosters are we think an ideal medium for sharing ideas and information, for stimulating useful discussion and for making contact with fellow glass enthusiasts. Book early for GLASSAC14 and gain maximum benefit by submitting an ePoster!

Join us in September and help make 2014 the year that brings glass
to life!