C252/08
16 September 2008
A Curtin University of Technology student wants to hear from anyone with information about the history of art glass in Western Australia.
Rosie Fitzgerald of South Perth is seeking to uncover the largely hidden history of WA glassmaking as part of a Master of Applied Cultural Heritage Studies she is undertaking at Curtin.
“Art glass includes functional and non-functional forms using an array of techniques including blowing, fusing, slumping, casting, cutting or engraving,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
“There seems to be a lot of people who admire and collect fine examples of art glass, and some excellent work from WA.
“Creating art glass can be a difficult and dangerous business, requiring special equipment and training.
“I am interested in speaking to anyone who has studied, taught or practised glassworking so that I can establish what art glass has been produced here in recent decades.”
Ms Fitzgerald is being supervised on her research project by Dr Jennifer Harris and Professor David Dolan of the Cultural Heritage Program in the Faculty of Humanities at Curtin.
“There is not much known about this rare and beautiful craft in WA,” said Professor Dolan, who was formerly Senior Curator of Australian Decorative Art and Design at Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum.
“That’s why Rosie’s research project is even more fascinating and significant as it will go a long way to filling the apparent gap in the historical records of art glass.”
Anyone with information should contact Rosie Fitzgerald by email rosiefitzgerald@iinet.net.au or phone 0431961734.
Attention Editor/COS: A photograph is available on request.
Modified: 16 September 2008
