Suche
Mein Konto
Glass art and forest glass: Collector days bring splendor to Murrhardt!
Experience the 10th South German Glass Collectors Days in Murrhardt on October 25th and 26th - a festival of glass art and tradition.
Glass art and forest glass: Collector days bring splendor to Murrhardt!
On the weekend of October 25th to 26th, 2025, the festival hall in Murrhardt will be transformed into a meeting place for everyone interested in traditional glass crafts. The South German Glass Collectors' Day, organized by Thomas Denzler from Spiegelberg, brings the ancient knowledge of forest glass into public awareness. Denzler is committed to preserving and sharing the history and techniques of forest glass production.
The fascination with forest glass also grew from an exciting discovery: Marianne Hasenmayer found an ancient glass fragment that sparked her interest in the subject. Together with Denzler, she went on a search for clues to the glassworks in the Swabian-Franconian Forest that existed between the 15th and 19th centuries. Currently 27 of these huts have been identified. After Hasenmayer's death in 2023, Denzler is continuing this valuable work and would now like to plan a permanent exhibition in the Swabian-Franconian Forest Nature Park and found the association “Forest Glass in the Swabian Forest”.
The meaning and production of forest glass
Forest glass has its roots in the forests north of the Alps, where it was produced from the 12th to the 17th centuries. It is characterized by a greenish color caused by iron oxides in the quartz sand used. To make it, the glassworks needed not only wood as fuel, but also quartz and potash, which act as glass converters. In contrast to simpler drinking and eating vessels of the time, which were mostly made of clay or wood, glass experienced a boom in the 15th century and became an important commodity.
The glassworks were usually built on demolition and moved on when the wood supplies were exhausted. In addition to drinking vessels such as cups, typical products also included slug panes that served as window glass. In order to cool the glassware and reduce tension, the glassmakers used special cooling ovens. These complex techniques testify to the high level of know-how that went into glass art.
A look at the glass collecting days
The 10th South German Glass Collectors Days will feature 15 exhibitors on the weekend who will show their antique glasses. Admission is free and offers visitors the opportunity to delve deeper into the subject matter and talk to collectors and glass craft experts. Denzler himself has a collection of around 300 objects, including numerous forest glass bottles and millefiori pieces, which he looks after with passion as a collector and chronicler.
With his commitment to the history and art of forest glass, Denzler not only wants to preserve the knowledge of this ancient craft, but also inspire young people about the traditions and craftsmanship. The focus is on strengthening networks and promoting exchange between collectors and interested parties. The event will not only be a homage to forest glass, but also a place of knowledge and cultural exchange.
Forest glass and the traditions associated with it are preserved for future generations so that the stories and techniques can be passed on. A ray of hope in a time when old crafts are often forgotten. It remains to be hoped that the Glass Collectors Days in Murrhardt will help to increase the appreciation for this remarkable craft.