Thames Glass
Seeking an alternative, more sustainable future for glassmaking which takes influence from ancient techniques and recipes
Inspired by ancient glass-making processes, for the last two years I have been creating unique batch recipes from local and waste materials sourced in and around the River Thames. These include local sand samples, waste shells from water companies, and waste wood ash or bracken from the surrounding forests which is cut down for management control. In collaboration with Thames Water, I discovered a way to make use of the tonnes of invasive quagga mussels that routinely block water pipes and cost Thames Water millions of pounds to remove. Working closely with the production team at Here Design, glass blowers and glass archaeologists, I have now created the first prototypes of the ‘Thames Glass’ carafe and tumbler – to promote drinking tap water, rather than buying plastic bottles.
I have also started working with Bureau de Change, an award-winning architecture practice, to explore the possibilities of creating glass tiles that could be utilised in future building design. The delicate patterns of these tiles are informed by the designs of terracotta chimney pots created in the mid-19th century by ceramics manufacturer Royal Doulton, who were incidentally also the manufacturers of the water pipes that improved London’s sanitation system.
Throughout this process I have been interested in finding alternatives to the highly processed and unsustainable materials often used in glass making and creating a geo-specific glass from materials which are distinctive to a certain area. Through incorporating 21st-century waste materials into glass making, this project represents the idea of Future Archaeology by rethinking the way we view glass and waste today. Celebrating the impurities that come with using natural materials, ‘Thames Glass’ has a distinct blue colour and bubbly texture which is symbolic of our precious water resource.
Lulu Harrison
lcbella13@gmail.com
luluharrisonstudio.com