Glass engraving

Glass engraving is a form of decorative glasswork that involves engraving a glass surface or object. It is distinct from glass art in the narrow sense, which refers to moulding and blowing glass.

Glass engraving encompasses a variety of techniques. One notable form is intaglio work, with images and inscriptions cut into the surface of the glass through abrasion. Glass engraving tools are therefore small abrasive wheels and drills, with small lathes often used. Engraving wheels are traditionally made of copper, with a linseed oil and fine emery powder mixture used as an abrasive.

Other forms of engraving are "stipple" and "dry point" in which the surface of the glass is abraided with the use of small diamond tipped burrs. The scratches and small dots made in this method can, in the hands of a skilled artist, be used to produce images of astonishing clarity and detail. Notable practitioners of this form are Lawrence Whistler and James Dennison Pender.

Glass engraving is considered by many to be a dying art form. While this is far from accurate it is certainly a form that has seen its heyday come and go. Despite this there are still many glass engravers who are producing bold dynamic and aesthetically challenging artworks. In the UK one of the most notable artists is Alison Kinnard MBE. Based in Scotland she splits her time between glass engraving and playing the traditional Scottish harp. In recent years these two apparently disparate mediums have been combined when she composed music to accompany her piece "Psalmsong" which is now installed in the Scottish Parliament building.

The UK currently has a Guild of Glass engravers based in London and lists a number of well respected glass artists as members. These include Katharine Coleman, Tracy Shepard and Dominic Fonde.

Meanwhile the Czech republic having produced many world class glass artists can lay claim to one of the very best, Jiri Harcuba.

Every two years the Czech Republic hosts a conference aimed specifically at glass engravers

Some artists such as [http://www.lesleypyke.com/ Lesley Pyke] , combine the art of hand engraving with sandblasting for not only collectable work, but bespoke pieces which become family heirlooms and every day commercial requirements such as corporate presentations and sporting awards.