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Lampworking is a glass forming technique. It employs a small torch flame that is used to melt the glass on the end of a glass rod. The molten glass is then wound off the end of the glass rod and wrapped onto a thin metal tool called a mandrel. Once the molten glass is balled onto the mandrel, the glass artist uses tools, natural physical processes and techniques to further shape and design the glass, often adding other colors of glass to the original bead to create elaborate surface decorations.
The tip of the glass rod is heated until soft
and then the glass is applied to the bead.

Historically, glass forming techniques date back to the Egyptians, who used specialized beehive ovens or kilns that had a hole or vent in the top through which hot gases and flames escaped. Early glass workers used these flames much as contemporary workers use their torch flame.

By the fifteenth century, Italian glass artists refined earlier techniques and developed apparatus that were more similar to contemporary tools. They were able to use a bellows system to force air into the flame of an oil lamp. They also developed superior glass formulas, and became known for their clear and colorful "Murano" glass.

Twentieth century glass workers used equipment adapted from welding, employing "Mapp" gas with a specialized torch head, or using surface mix bench burner systems that use oxygen and propane.

See the Links Page to find more information about glass and lampworking history.