Applicant: drs. H.J. Besançon
Co-applicant: dr. T. Hagendijk (UU)
Institution: National Glass Museum (Leerdam)

Since 1581, glass has been blown in the Netherlands. But what was blown and where? This project explores the emergence and development of glassblowing in the Netherlands. For each glassblowing workshop, we investigate what was blown, who worked there, and for whom the glass was intended.

Art technological sources are of great value to conservators and (technical) art historians as they provide a unique insight into the production process of cultural heritage objects, the materials used to create them and the methods that were applied in the 18th century to maintain precious metal objects. Willem van Laer’s Guidebook for upcoming gold- and silversmiths (1721) is an exceptional example of this, being the only published 18th century silversmithing manual in Western Europe. An interdisciplinary team of experts has been assembled to translate the text and annotate its contents in an effort to better understand 18th century gold- and silversmith practices. A dedicated website will be launched and symposia organized in an effort to disseminate the knowledge and insights accumulated by the project.

• prof. dr. Sven Dupré

• Maartje Stols-Witlox (UvA); Tonny Beentjes (UvA); Marcia Vilarigues (NOVA University of Lisbon)