Marver

In the art of glassblowing, a Marver is a flat surface used in different stages of the process, particularly during shaping and cooling. Marvers can be made of different materials, but traditionally are made of a heat-resistant durable stone such as marble, or graphite.

The primary use of a Marver is to shape and flatten hot glass. When glass is heated to high temperatures in a furnace, it becomes malleable and can be shaped using different techniques. Marvering is one of these techniques where the glassblower shapes the molten glass by rolling and pressing it against a Marver surface. The Marver helps the glassblower control the shape and thickness of the piece by providing a stable surface for the hot glass to be shaped on.

Additionally, Marvers can aid in cooling the glass. After blowing a piece, the glass must cool gradually to avoid cracks or other deformities. Placing the piece on a Marver cools the bottom of the piece faster and more evenly than if it were left to cool in the air. This process is known as annealing and is crucial in creating a finished and stable work of art.

Another advantage of using a Marver is that it aids in the even distribution of glass color. When working with colored glass, it is essential to have a consistent and even distribution of color throughout the piece. Marvering helps achieve this by spreading the glass color throughout the piece more consistently.

Overall, a Marver is a critical tool in the art of glassblowing, providing a stable surface to shape and cool molten glass. Its use has allowed glassblowers to create intricate and delicate pieces with precision and stability. By using a Marver, glassblowers can improve their craft and create more beautiful glass art.