The Impact Of Art & Science On The Glass Industry

This article takes a look at the interrelationship of glass art with its potential relevance for the glass industry. In 1999, the author set up an international conference in Portugal to discuss the theme "Glass art and science." In one week four symposiums took place: Glass archaeology; Contemporary art; Glass in architecture; & Glass science. As a result of the symposium, a small research unit called Vidro e Ceramica para as Artes, was set up, situated at the campus of the New University of Lisbon in a joint venture with the faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Lisbon. The article goes on to discuss the outcome from these ventures and describes other projects that have stemmed from the initiative.