Conservation & Heritage Issue 50 Winter 2025/Spring 2026 - Flipbook - Page 76
Living Heritage in Glass –
The Role of LambertsGlas®
in Historic Conservation
In the field of architectural conservation, windows are more than openings – they are
visual and emotional bridges to the past. The restoration of historical glazing is therefore
a critical component in preserving the authentic appearance, atmosphere, and cultural
integrity of heritage buildings. One of the few materials that can meet the high demands
of conservators, architects, and preservation authorities is mouth-blown glass – a craft that
has been practiced for centuries, and which is still alive today at Glashütte Lamberts in
Waldsassen, Germany.
Preserving the Art of Glassmaking
Crafting the Unique – The Making of LambertsGlas®
Founded in 1906, Glashütte Lamberts is one of the last
remaining manufacturers in the world that produces mouthblown flat glass using the traditional cylinder method.
In 2023, this rare and highly skilled craft was officially
recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural
Heritage of Humanity – a testament to its enduring cultural
value and the company’s commitment to preserving it.
The process begins with a carefully mixed batch of raw
materials, melted in furnaces at around 1450°C. The
glowing mass is gathered onto a blowpipe, shaped into a
balloon through skillful turning and blowing, and eventually
transformed into a cylinder. This cylinder is then cut open,
reheated, and flattened into a pane using wooden tools and
pure craftsmanship. No sheet is exactly like the next – each
one is a unique expression of light and material.
Unlike modern industrial float glass, LambertsGlas® is
created entirely by hand. Each sheet carries the marks of its
making – small air bubbles, striations, and slight imperfections
– which are not defects but signs of authenticity. These subtle
characteristics are essential for matching historic windows
and restoring the visual harmony between glass, frame, and
façade.
The result is a glass with exceptional brilliance, depth of
colour, and vibrant surface structure. LambertsGlas® is
available in over 5,000 colour and structure combinations,
making it an unmatched resource for heritage projects as
well as contemporary design.
restauro® – Tailor-Made for Restoration
“
I
Mouth-blown glass from Lamberts is not a reproduction
– it is a continuation of a centuries-old tradition.”
To meet the specific needs of conservation professionals,
Lamberts developed the restauro® product line – mouth-
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