Vintage Drapery Glass and other Interesting Glass

“Drapery” glass is so-named because it mimics the creases, folds, and drape of fabric. Its three-dimensional texture was created by using metal hooks or wooden paddles to push the edges of a flat, molten sheet of glass until it buckled into ridges and folds. These irregular, undulating surfaces affect the way light passes through the glass, so that within the thick folds, color is dense and nearly opaque, while the flat areas between the folds are thinner and therefore more translucent and lighter in color. As a result of these dramatic variations in texture and opacity, an incredible array of realistic effects could be achieved through thoughtful glass selection. For instance, figures are given tangible volume and windows “move” with the flow of this glass.