Glasblowing at the TUM

The University of Technology München in Garching held an open house for the general public last Saturday. While it was cold and wet outside, inside there were fun and interesting presentations, lectures, and demonstrations all over the campus.

I was especially impressed (as were the kids) by the glasblowers of the Department of Chemistry. Up to that point, I had always associated glasblowing with arts and crafts (hello there, Venice!). The fact that condensers, flasks, and all the other equipment needed in a chemistry lab can be – and are – made at the university had completely escaped me. I definitely see this equipment with a different eye now.

Fred Perk during a glasblowing demonstration at the open house at the University of Technology München in Garching.

In the picture above you see Fred Perk, one of the glasblowers at the TUM, heating a glas tube in a gas flame. He had previously made the two figurines in the foreground.

In the picture I clearly see the joy that Fred exuded in spades during his work. What a gift to be not only talented, but happy at work!

While taking the picture, I envisioned it only in black and white. Later, at the computer, I noticed the wonderful colors.

urns a glas tube in a bright flame.” width=”480″ height=”360″ />Fred Perk during a glasblowing demonstration at the open house at the University of Technology München in Garching.

As a special treat I am showing both interpretations of the picture. 🙂