The Ravenscroft Lectures
A Tribute to George Ravenscroft and His Legacy in English Lead Crystal
In honor of the pivotal figure George Ravenscroft (1618 – 1681), these informative, engaging lectures are held. An innovative figure in glassmaking, Ravenscroft is celebrated for his significant development of English Lead Crystal. His work, which began in the 17th century, continues to have a profound impact on the industry today.
| Date | Lecturer | Title of Lecture | Venue | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tues.12th Feb.2002 | Liveryman Dr. Peter E.Radley | Internet of Glass | Glaziers Hall | Kenneth Bacon |
| Thurs.13th Feb.2003 | Simon Whistler | One scratch and the dumb glass speaks | Painters' Hall | Martin Everett |
| Wed.18th Feb.2004 | Liveryman Professor John Whiteman | So you thought Mathematics didn't affect you, from Miscellany to Glass. | Brunel University | John Whiteman |
| Wed.9th Feb.2005 | Liveryman Professor Brian Toft | Through the Looking Glass - a different view of managing risks. | Glaziers' Hall | Brian Rawles |
| Thurs.26th Feb.2006 | Henry Sandon | A Potaholic looks in a Crystal Ball | Glaziers' Hall | Joanna Thomas |
| Wed.7th Feb.2007 | Andy McConnell | The Life of a Glass Evangelist. | Glaziers' Hall | Anthony Hammond |
| Tues.9th Apr.2008 | Dr.Kevin Sanderson BSc.PhD. | When I'm 'NOT' Cleaning Windows. | Glaziers' Hall | William Cook |
| Wed.18th Feb.2009 | Anne Margaret Anderson | The Mystery Lady Paperweight Collector. | Glaziers' Hall | Robin Arculus |
| Thurs.13th May 2010 | Tim Morgan CEng.MIMechE. | Glass in modern buildings - Looking through it is just the beginning. | Glaziers' Hall | Richard Lawman |
| Tues.22nd Feb.2011 | Dr. Bob King MMC. FRAeS | The Magic of Glass - Concorde, Big Jets and Flat Panel TV's. | Glaziers' Hall | Martin Scarth |
| Wed.11th Apr.2012 | Simon Cottle | William Beilby and the Art of Newcastle Glass. | Glaziers' Hall | Vivian Bendall |
| Thurs.21st Feb.2013 | Liveryman Maurice W McLain | Stuart Glass? | Stationers' Hall | Guy Harrison |
| Tues.18th Feb.2014 | Charles Hajdamach | Milestones and Masterpieces in British Glass Making - 400 Years of Genius. | Haberdashers' Hall | Andrew Parmley |
| Wed.18th Feb 2015 | Rob Ireson of Glass Technology Services | Glass at the cutting edge - Shaping our future. | Bryan Cave LLP 6th Floor, 88 Wood Street. | Gwen Rhys |
| Thurs 8th Sept 2016 | Hazel Forsyth FSA Senior Curator | 350th Anniversary of the Great Fire of London & Tour of 'Fire! Fire! Exhibition | Museum of London | William Knocker |
| Wed.1st Mar 2017 | Steven Roberts Innovation Director | Transforming Barclays: The Glass Bridge Level 30 | Barclays Canary Wharf | Peter Rawlinson |
| Wed.3rd Oct.2018 | Liveryman Stephen Pollock | 'Shiver my Timbers and daylight Robbery' or from Mansell to Dickens | The Bridewell Centre at 14, Bride Lane. | John Poulten |
| Wed.20th Feb.2019 | Professor Roger Kneebone | 'Crossing Boundaries' How medicine, science & art can illuminate one another's practices. | Middle Temple Hall | Leigh Baildham |
| Wed.19th Feb.2020 | Professor Paul Bingham | From Antiquity to Ubiquity | MiddleTemple Hall | Richard Katz |
| Wed.26th Jan 2022 | Professor John Parker | The Glass Age | Middle temple Hall | Barbara Beadman |
The Inception of the Ravenscroft Lectures
The first lecture to commemorate Ravenscroft’s contributions to the world of glassmaking took place in 2002. These annual lectures have since then turned into an established tradition, providing insightful perspectives on Ravenscroft’s work, the history of English Lead Crystal, and the overall field of glassmaking.
Each lecture is not just a time to look back and appreciate Ravenscroft’s impressive legacy, but also a platform to discuss ongoing developments in the industry, exploring how today’s glassmakers are building upon the foundations laid by pioneers like him.
The Continuing Influence of George Ravenscroft
Through these lectures, we celebrate not only the man, George Ravenscroft, but also the enduring influence of his profound work. Ravenscroft’s invention of the English Lead Crystal—a major stride in glassmaking—stands as a testament to his ingenuity and craftsmanship.
Just as Ravenscroft benefitted from the support of the Glass Sellers in his time, this lecture series is a reminder of the importance of collaboration, support, and shared knowledge in driving progress in any field.
Remember, the door to understanding doesn’t lie only in historic achievements, but also in acknowledging how those accomplishments continue to shape today’s world. Let’s look forward to learning and celebrating together in our next lecture!