Perfect craftsmanship: Theresienthal, the crystal glass manufacturer
Artfully curved shapes and fine engravings: the Theresienthal glassmaking company still makes glass and vases just like it did in the days of King Ludwig I.
By BAYERN TOURISMUS Marketing GmbH
BAYERN TOURISMUS Marketing GmbH
Crystal glass manufacturer Theresienthal
Since 1836, glassmakers, cutters, engravers, painters, and other specialist glassworkers have been working at Theresienthal in the Bavarian Forest. Founded by order of King Ludwig I, Theresienthal was established to manufacture luxury glass and continues to do so to this day.
Glass region of the Bavarian Forest
The Bavarian Forest is well-known for its glassmaking. Many manufacturers are based here. Valuable raw materials like quartz and wood can also be found here. Plus, water power used to be really important for operating the machines. Because of this, glassworks were often built on river courses with slopes.
Crystal glass factory Theresienthal by bavaria.travel - Peter von FelbertOriginal Source: Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH
The heart of the manufacturing process is the kiln hall, which was completed in 1836. The hall still has its original magnificent wooden frame roof. The ovens burn 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
At the glass furnace by bavaria.travel - Peter von FelbertOriginal Source: Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH
Molten glass can be found in four large crucibles, known as the "ports." Five to six glassmakers stand around the ovens, using long "pipes" to repeatedly take glass out of the furnace for blowing or to be passed to the master to be made into the stem or base.
glassblowing by bavaria.travel - Peter von FelbertOriginal Source: Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH
All of the steps involved in producing glass are done by hand, from blowing, to cutting, engraving, and painting. This is a rarity today in the handcrafted glass industry.
glass making by bavaria.travel - Peter von FelbertOriginal Source: Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH
The glassworkers require extensive knowledge and experience to model the stem by hand, affix the glass applications, and work the rim of the mouth.
glass making by bavaria.travel - Peter von FelbertOriginal Source: Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH
glass grinding by bavaria.travel - Peter von FelbertOriginal Source: Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH
Then the glass is cut, engraved, and painted in line with the designs created for the individual collections.
Design of engravings by bavaria.travel - Peter von FelbertOriginal Source: Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH
glass grinding by bavaria.travel - Peter von FelbertOriginal Source: Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH
Overlay glasses are made up of two glass layers: one clear layer, which is then covered with a coloured glass layer. Cutters and engravers cut through the outer, colored layer of glass to expose the clear layer. This makes the relief-like engraved images stand out against their background
Very talented engravers are able to make the images particularly vivid by working the colored glass layers to varying depths. This creates beautiful shading on the engraved image.
Painting the glasses by bavaria.travel - Peter von FelbertOriginal Source: Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH
Some glasses have a wide, ornate gold rim or engraved hunting motifs—the design of many series is reminiscent of the old glory days. One part of the current collection is made up of replicas of old designs.
Vivid images on glass
The most popular series is called "Kilimanjaro" and depicts motifs from African nature in six different colors.
The Theresienthal brand still stands for exclusive design and the highest handmade quality today. The glass is exported worldwide and is a popular luxury glass among the international aristocracy and jetsetters.
Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH—erlebe.bayern Crystal glass manufacturer Theresienthal GmbH
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