An A–Z of glass
Do you know your aventurine from your zwischengoldglas? Sharpen up your glass knowledge with our A-Z
Glass
The V&A's Glass collection is one of the largest and the most comprehensive in the world, showcasing the development of design and technology in glass-making over 3,500 years.
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Our collection is particularly rich in vessel and art glass, with examples from the Italian Renaissance, the Middle-East, 17th – 20th century Britain and Europe, and contemporary art glass from around the world. We also hold an important collection of stained glass from the medieval period onwards.
Collection highlights
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Soft in Pink, glass form, designed and made by Maria Bang Espersen/The Glass Factory, 2018, Sweden -
Goblet, engraved by Franz Paul Zach, Schachtenburg glassworks, 1855, Zwiesel, Germany -
Perfume sprinkler, 17th century, Venice -
Form, made by René Roubicek and Borské sklo glassworks, 1959, Nový Bor, Czechoslovakia -
Finger bowl, manufactured by Davenport & Co., 1837, Longport, Staffordshire, England -
Goblet, made by Jacob Verzelini at Crutched Friar's Glasshouse, engraved by Anthony De Lysle, England -
Drinking glass, 1590 – 1625, Germany and the Netherlands -
Water jug, manufactured by W.H.B. & J. Richardson, 1848, England -
Victoire, radiator mascot, designed by René Lalique, made by Lalique glassworks, about 1925, France -
Mosque lamp, 1320 – 1330, Egypt -
'Deep Blue and Bronze Gold Persian Set' one of eight parts, Dale Chihuly, 1999, USA. Museum no. C.108-2001. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London. -
Flask, 1401 – 1336 BC, Malkata, Egypt
Features
Antarctic Expedition by James Maskrey
James Maskrey's beautiful contemporary glassworks inspired by the ill-fated polar explorations of Captain Scott
Dutch wine glass – a secret love token
Look closely to discover a hidden message of gay love engraved on this wine glass
How was it made? Glass engraving
Watch the beautiful, intricate and rare art of glass engraving using copper wheels
Narcissus by Erwin Eisch
Erwin Eisch’s desire to 'take the straight and bend it' revolutionised European studio glass
Art Deco: René Jules Lalique
René Jules Lalique was an exceptional artist, astute industrialist, and a driving force of the Art Deco style
The Luck of Edenhall
Its unique, superstition-wrapped history makes this antique drinking glass one of the Museum's most intriguing objects
Stained glass: the Gothic Revival and beyond
How the Victorians revived the art of stained glass – laying the foundations for a modern take on decorated windows
How was it made? 3D scanning and printing
See how 3D scanning and printing techniques are used to reproduce an object from our collection
Unboxing Christmas baubles
Watch as we take a look at a selection of delicate Christmas baubles from Germany
Header image: Background image: Jellyfish installation, made by Steffen Dam, Handrup (Ebeltoft), Denmark, 2010. Museum no. C.92-2011. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London