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glass engraver
Engravers decorate glass by using hand tools or machinery to cut designs or inscriptions into the surface.
They may produce original designs or copy existing ones. They work on a variety of Items including:
- boxes
- goblets
- bowls
- decanters
- mirrors
- glass panels.
Each method of engraving produces a different effect and requires a different level of skill. Hand engraving is usually used for single objects such as plates. Machine engraving is used for mass production, where a range of objects are engraved with the same design or wording, such as sets of commemorative or souvenir glasses.
Methods of glass engraving include the use of:
- copper wheel lathes - using machine-driven wheels to shape the cut, and a mix of oil and grit to do the cutting
- hand-held pendant motors - using assorted tungsten or diamond rotary burrs
- acid etch - applying hydrofluoric acid to areas to be decorated
- sand/grit blasting - using grit to erode areas of glass that have not been masked off.
Hours and Environment
Employed engravers usually work 37-40 hours a week. Self-employed engravers' hours are more flexible, depending on the amount and type of work. They may include evenings and/or weekends.
Engravers work in workshops or factories. Some glass engraving involves noisy, dusty working conditions, so ear protection, goggles and masks may be required.
Skills and Interests
As an engraver you will need:
- good hand to eye co-ordination and manual dexterity
- interest and ability in art, particularly drawing
- good eyesight (with spectacles or contact lenses if worn) for detailed engraving
- patience, concentration and a methodical approach
- business skills and the ability to market and sell your work if self-employed.
Entry
You do not need any set qualifications to be a glass engraver, but most have a background or qualifications in art, design or craft.
You can learn glass engraving as part of a number of full-time degree courses that specialise either in glass or glass and ceramics. These last for three years and include subjects such as:
- Glass
- Ceramics with Glass
- Design and Applied Arts (Glass)
- Decorative Arts.
To be considered for a degree course you will need a portfolio of work and usually one of the following:
- an art and design foundation course
- BTEC National Diploma in a relevant subject and 5 GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3)
- an appropriate AVCE
- equivalent qualifications or experience.
In Scotland degree courses last for four years, which includes a foundation year.
You should check with colleges and universities for their exact requirements. You may be accepted without the usual qualifications if you have extensive work experience (paid and/or unpaid) and/or professional qualifications in your work sector.
To search for colleges and universities offering art and design foundation courses, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)
You can do relevant courses at a range of levels at the International Glass Centre at Dudley College. Please see Further Information for contact details.
Training
You may be able to go straight into work and be trained by an experienced engraver.
The Guild of Glass Engravers is the professional body for this field, with student and craft membership. As a member you will have access to:
- exhibitions
- workdays (run through the regional branches)
- a network of experienced engravers willing to give information and advice
- details of commissions
- a newsletter with details of classes and courses.
You can find details on the Guild's website. Please see the Further Information section for a link.
Opportunities
Entry to glass engraving is very competitive.
Vacancies are scarce and the number of people working in glass engraving is decreasing. Some engravers are employed by glass manufacturing companies and engraving companies.
There has been an increase in the number of self-employed glass engravers working from home or from small workshops.
Work abroad may be possible.
Annual Income
The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.
Income for engravers starts at around £10,000 per year.
Experienced engravers earn between £15,000 and £20,000, depending on ability.
Top rate self-employed engravers earn up to £30,000.
Some engravers may be employed on piece rates (a set price for each item) and are paid bonuses depending on the amount of work they produce. Engravers working shifts may receive shift allowance and overtime pay. Self-employed engravers are paid negotiated or set rates for each job.
Further information
London
SE1 1RQ
Helpline: 0800 093 0444
London
N12 7NP
Tel: 020 8446 4050
Moor Street
Brierley Hill
West Midlands
DY5 3EP
Tel: 01384 363067
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The information contained in our Career Profiles Database was correct at time of publishing, but since publication certain details may have changed so please use this section as a research tool and in some cases further research may be required.
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