Weeping Glass

Step into the shoes of a glass restorer and discover everything there is to know about the fragility of glass. Learn about the different symptoms of unstable glass and experience the look, smell and feel of degraded glass. A study that has been going on since 2008 will open its doors on April 5th at the Depot of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen.

Nearly twenty years ago, a peculiar phenomenon was discovered in a few glasses within the collection of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen: the glasses appeared dull, and little droplets appeared on the surface of the glass. The glasses within the collection have since then been thoroughly researched and monitored. What turns out to be the case? A few glasses within the collection are ‘unstable’.

Throughout history, glass makers have been experimenting with different compositions. This led to some of the most incredible creations, but has sometimes led to the instability of the glass. Changes in recipes can lead to the glass being vulnerable to external influences. In a humid or acidic environment, certain components of glass can leach from the glass, which can lead to ‘weeping’ glass. Eventually, little cracks can appear, and the glass may break apart.