Canberra, the capital of Australia is a great tourist destination. If you are looking for things to do in Canberra, Australia’s capital, you must make it a point to visit Canberra Glassworks. It’s great place for the family where you can watch artists mould beautiful glass structures.
Typically, the transformation of materials into glass takes place around 2,400 °F (1,320 °C); the glass emits enough heat to appear almost white hot. The glass is then left to “fine out” (allowing the bubbles to rise out of the mass), and then the working temperature is reduced in the furnace to around 2,000 °F (1,090 °C). At this stage, the glass appears to be a bright orange color.
The major tools involved are the blowpipe (or blow tube), the punty (or pontil), bench, marver, blocks, jacks, paddles, tweezers, paper, and a variety of shears. Australia has developed an enviable reputation nationally and internationally for the quality and skill of its glass artists.
The Sign says it all doesn’t it?
The first form of the moulded glass.
You can sign up to work with the artists. They even let your put your hands in the kiln. The most popular place is called ‘Hot Shop’, (the place where artists blow glass) is the most spectator orientated activity within the facility and has the capacity to captivate the viewer for hours. Tip: Double check what’s happening in there before planning your trip
The final product are truly works of art. Check out some of these exhibits.
**Some of the more technical content is taken from Canberra Glassworks Officials website http://www.canberraglassworks.com/
