What gives colored glass its brilliant hues? Since the early days of alchemy, our understanding of and control over the design of colored glasses has improved enormously, opening the door to a host of practical applications.
Read More
Though the tradition of creating grand stained-glass windows is less common than it was before, the artform remains an important part of our culture today. In April 2024, CTT is running a special three-part series on stained glass. Part 2 provides an overview of the early history of colored glass and details the rise and fall of stained-glass windows between the 11th and 16th centuries.
Read More
Though the tradition of creating grand stained-glass windows is less common than it was before, the artform remains an important part of our culture today. In April 2024, CTT is running a special three-part series on stained glass. Part 1 overviews the techniques used to create stained glass.
Read More
In honor of Women’s History Month, CTT shines a light on the PBS special “The Sun Queen,” which documents the life and research of Hungarian–American chemical engineer and inventor Mária Telkes, who helped advance the field of solar technology.
Read More
The Great Depression in the United States (1929–1939) led glassmakers to pivot from producing fine crystal to manufacturing glassware pieces that could be pressed in large quantities with machines. The MacBeth–Evans Glass Company in Pittsburgh was one of many companies producing these so-called “Depression” glasses, and its history is covered in today’s CTT.
Read More
Recognizing the impact of ceramic products on society can be difficult due to the ceramic industry’s somewhat hidden nature. But two recent projects are helping bring the history of traditional ceramic industries to light through glass slides and laser-engraved bricks.
Read More
Rome’s significant influence on the craft of glassblowing warrants its close study even today. A new freely available digital resource offered through the Corning Museum of Glass allows anyone to learn about this history from the comfort of their home.
Read More
David Drake, commonly known as Dave the Potter, was an enslaved potter who is now one of the most famous names in Edgefield pottery. This CTT overviews Drake’s life and his legacy.
Read More
Research on ultrahigh-temperature ceramics (UHTCs) for hypersonic and space vehicle applications is gaining increased attention and funding. This CTT summarizes an open-access review paper on the measurement and enhancement of UHTCs coatings for radiation-cooled thermal protective systems.
Read More
Incorporating practices commonly regarded as sustainable into an individual or group’s workflow does not always guarantee environmental benefits. Researchers from the Technical University of Darmstadt published a case study that shows the importance of critically evaluating perceived green technologies before adoption.
Read More