Scotland's glassmaking industry is celebrating its 400th anniversary
Four hundred years of glassmaking in Scotland are being celebrated in an international conference taking place in Edinburgh this weekend. The event is part of a year-long celebration of Scottish glassmaking. Speakers and representatives from Australia, America and Europe will attend the conference, the largest of its kind in the UK. Anyone can attend the glass auction on Saturday evening and some events and lectures still have a few free spaces. 'Extraordinary event' Scotland's glassmaking began in 1610 when King James VI of Scotland granted the first patent to make glass to George Hay. The windows and glasses were made in East Wemyss in Fife. Decorative glassmaking began in Scotland in the 19th Century and glassmaking in scientific instruments was introduced in the 20th Century. Exhibitions marking the anniversary have been taking place in museums and galleries throughout the year, from Alloa to Glasgow.
King James VI of Scotland granted the first glassmaking patent in 1610
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Siona Airlie, one of the organisers of Scotland's Glass 400 and co-author of a new book on the topic, said: "The conference is going to be an extraordinary event and I'm really proud to have been a small part of it. "The goodwill generated has been amazing with all the lecturers and demonstrators giving their time for free. "Some of the biggest names in glass and world-renowned experts in their fields will be at the conference." Highlights of the conference being held in Edinburgh College of Art include a revealing glimpse into the Jacobite Rebellion and Scottish glass by Geoffrey Seddon. New research on the engraving of Adem and Jacobite glasses, associated with Scottish nationalism and history, will be revealed at the conference. The glass auction takes place on 2 October at 1700. For a full list of events see:
Scotland's Glass 400
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