Glazing of windows with small, round pieces of glass was very common in the Middle Ages in private homes as well as public buildings. In old towns, some of these windows, set in lead channels, may still be found in sensitively restored buildings.
Genuine rondels are produced one by one at Glashuette Lamberts in the traditional mouthblown method. Every rondel is a unique piece - brilliant and alive, setting it apart from pressed or cast imitations.
Glazed in lead, rondels display the harmonic play of color and light bringing life into the window. |
|
Genuine rondels are made in approximately 6 - 12 cm ( 2 1/2" - 4 3/4") sizes. Variations in diameter of +/- 0.5 cm (3/16") are inevitable because of the individual handmade production. The thickness will also vary within one piece. The heavier center, call the navel (which at times may be sharp) is approximately 5mm (3/16") thick with the surrounding glass approx. 2-3mm (1/8") in thickness.
Rondels are traditionally produced in clear or pale colors. Production of special colors to the customerīs specifications is also possible.
Molten glass is taken from the furnace with the blowpipe. The amount of the glass gather determines the eventual size in the rondel. The molten glass is blown out into a small bubble. The circumference of the bubble is the second important factor determining the final size to be produced. The production of a uniform, high quality rondel depends on the skill and experience of the "rondelmaster". The small, still hot ball of glass will now be attached to a pontil rod and broken from the blowpipe. After reheating it is opened with a pair of shears. Using a special technique the rondelmaster then folds the edges, lending strength to the rondel, making it more workable. Spinning the glass, a small, round rondel is formed. After reaching the desired size, the rondel is tapped off the pontil rod and slowly cooled in the cooling oven.
 |
At first a small gather of glass is taken from the oven |
This will be blown, opened and spun into a rondel |
 |
The characteristic navle, caused by breaking the glass off the blowpipe, as well as the folded edge, are unmistakeable signs of a genuinely mouthblown rondel.
For the correct restoration of old rondel windows there is no substitute for genuine rondels. They are also widely used in new windows.
Single rondels may be installed in doors as points of interest and are also attractive in lamps.
