The Lost Art of Brilliant Cutting

Brilliant cutting, as a glass decoration technique, requires a tremendous level of skill and craftsmanship, yet today there are less and less glass workers that use this process. Popularised in Victorian times, the art of Brilliant Cutting was passed down through generations of masters and apprentices who learn the traditional hand grinding techniques. Competing glass workers in Victorian England made this style extremely popular and the availability and reduced expense of decorative glass made this a common sight in London homes and shops in particular.

Examples of Brilliant cut glass are quite common in pubs around the country and still look as perfect as the day they were first carved.

Often known as old cutting or wheel cutting, brilliant cut glass techniques involve the use of various rotating grinding wheels to carve the glass, which is situated in a counterbalanced frame to alleviate the strain of holding the glass by hand. After the design has been marked upon the glass, various wheel profiles are used to achieve the desired cut and effect:

(Edge Cut - Mitre Cut - Panel Cut - Punty Cut - Oval Punty - Panel Cut)

Wheel profiles and the cut shapes they make on glass…

The carving of the glass requires immense concentration and skill due to the fragility of the glass itself and the complexity of the carving technique. Grinding wheels rotate at around 300rpm.

Upon completion of the cutting process, the artist can begin the laborious process of polishing the glass to its final finish. The first stage of polishing requires using a wooden disk and a polishing agent like pumice powder; this will leave the glass with a dull sheen however, so the final polish will use felt to bring the glass to its optimal lustre; applying a cerium oxide mix to create that crystal clear finish.

Glacien glass can replicate existing and original brilliant cut glazing, reproducing the design down to the last detail. We can also create bespoke designs in this style to your exact specifications. Check out our page on Brilliant Cutting for examples of this wonderful art form.

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We can fabricate door and window panels, fanlights and mirrors to your exact specification; we can even create fully bespoke designs or replicate existing patterns to your liking. Why not have a look at our Glass Design Catalogue for examples of patterns and images.