Have you ever wondered how a beautiful glass bowl or vase was made? It’s a fascinating process, mesmerising to watch and even more fun to experience for yourself. Give glass blowing a try at the friendly studio of Langham Glass in the heart of Norfolk. The technique is centuries old and involves blowing through a tube or pipe to inflate a bubble of molten glass. Sounds easy? Shaping it to the desired form is a seriously skilled art!
This history of glassmaking is long and intriguing. From the Phoenicians via ancient Egypt and Syria where artisans produced decorated glassware to the Romans and China and on to 13th century glassmakers in Venice spinning molten glass, creating complex forms in stunning colours. And so to rural Norfolk and a small family business in Fakenham. The fragile beauty of glass has never failed to inspire countless generations and Langham’s, established in 1979, is the perfect place to discover more about this fascinating craft.
Beginning with blowing a simple bubble, Langham’s invites all ages to experience the magic of glassmaking and create something special to keep. Choose a simple tea light holder, light-catching festive bauble or your own whisky glass or make a hand cast as a unique present for grandparents (casts of children’s hands up to 10 years). If you fancy a more intimate experience, ‘Glassblowing with the Masters’ is an opportunity to join Langham’s world-famous glassmaking team to learn age-old techniques on a one-on-one basis.
