Day of the glass industry worker in Russia - November 19

Every day, mankind enjoys the fruits of the labor of workers in glass production. Now the material has become ordinary and common, and, buying the next item of utensils made of glass, no one is surprised, and admiration is caused only by thin highly artistic work. It's hard to imagine that once, instead of the usual flat glass of a window of ordinary people, a bull bulb or a leather of burbot was closed. Mica windows were the height of luxury and the subject of envy, not to mention glassware, which was worth its weight in gold. Ancient masters sometimes had to pay for the secrets of making such a customary glass for us with our own lives.

Day of the glass industry worker

In Russia, a professional celebration of glaziers Not by chance has a date on November 19, it's the birthday of Mikhail Vasilyevich Lomonosov, the greatest Russian scientist. He managed to create a unique technology for obtaining porcelain mass and multi-colored smalt, which was used to create many mosaic paintings. Rewarding the outstanding Russian scientist, since 2000, the Day of the Glass Industry Mark the day of his birth.

How did you get the glass

Even the primitive man used glass of natural origin, making from obsidian and tektitov simple tools and weapons - tips for arrows and spears, knives, scrapers and choppers. It is believed that the receipt of glass, like many other discoveries, happened by chance, and we owe it to those distant ancestors who, for cooking and firing earthenware, arranged a hearth in sand pits. The temperature at burning of fire wood and straw was sufficient, that the sand began to melt. It mixed with ash, form a vitreous mass. This is indicated by earthenware pots found on the places of ancient settlements with glaze elements on the sides and on the bottom.

History of glass production

Products from glass, discovered during archaeological excavations in Egypt and southern Iraq, show that the Sumerians and ancient Egyptians already more than five thousand years ago owned the art of making jewelry and glass mosaic. The creations of the ancient masters were distinguished by a special grace, but they were not transparent.

Glass-making has received a great impetus to development during the Roman Empire. Products made of glass became an excellent commodity for trade, which had a beneficial effect on the development of its production. Alexandria, which was under the Roman protectorate, became the main center for the production of glass at that time. Masters were able to achieve transparency in the manufacture of glass, adding to the ancient Egyptian recipes of manganese oxide. Opening, committed that far day, can claim the title "Day of the glass industry of antiquity."

Glass began to be widely used in architecture: the era of stained glass began. In the Middle Ages, European masters mastered the production of sheet glass. They blow out a hollow rectangular shape, and then cut and rolled it out, getting flat sheets.

A huge contribution to the development of glass business was made by Venetian masters. They used in their work all the latest technology of the time. There was a concept of "Venetian glass", in itself spoke about the quality and demand for this product. The secrets of making glass were strictly protected, so it was strictly forbidden to hire foreign workers. Later all the main production was transferred to the island of Murano. And to this day, when visiting Italy, tourists are trying to buy products from the famous Murano glass.

Glass production in Russia

Archaeological excavations show that the masters of Kievan Rus were well aware of the art of glass making, but this craft, like many others, was lost after the invasion of the Tatar-Mongols.

Day of the glass industry worker Was still far from approving, but already in 1630 a glass factory appeared in the village of Dukhanino near Moscow, and in 1669 the production of glass for palace needs was started at the Izmailovo plant. Great Peter invites the best European masters, and the glass business in Russia begins to develop rapidly. Many state and private enterprises for the production of glass appear, and Russian materies constitute a serious competition to European ones.

Of course, the Day of the Glass Industry Worker Then it was not celebrated, but our craftsmen did not work less from it and completely mastered the ancient art. Famous creators of the diamond pattern in the form of plants and frosty pattern Zubanov glorified the glass business of Russia. And the city of Gus-Khrustalny becomes a symbol and pride of Russian crystal production.

Day of the glass industry worker in Russia

Today, this industry is developing rapidly. Various types of products are produced and mastered, the annual growth of own production makes from 10 to 12%. According to experts, the domestic glass industry is successfully developing and is an important component of the country's economic potential. The day of the glass industry worker is celebrated at the enterprises with solemn events and concerts, it is celebrated by all people whose professions are somehow connected with glass.

In St. Petersburg on November 19, an exhibition devoted to the skill of glass blowers has been held for a year already. People from all over the country come to see their wonderful work.

We know when the Glass Industry Day Is celebrated in Russia, and from the heart we congratulate our modern masters on their professional holiday.