GLASS FACTORY
This choice relates to the business activity of the “Federation of Greek Wines and Spirits Industries” shares. In January 1914, the construction of the glass factory was completed, and the production began under the supervision of a Belgian glassmaker. Greece’s entry into the war put the company on hold, as well as the whole industrial production of the country.
After the end of the war, the glass factory began to operate again with highly skilled German and Italian glass-blowers -with great experience, virtuosity, and strong lungs- who were also responsible for training the Greek craftsmen. The glass factory unit very quickly exceeded its initial goals taking one of the top spots in the world’s ranking. At the same time, it was considered also one of the toughest workplaces because of the intensity of the work –it operated in 3 shifts- and of the high temperatures. During the decades that followed, production continued at the same high levels, while the mechanical equipment was renovated following technological changes. The glass factory ended its operation at the beginning of 1990.
The glass objects collection
The initial need for operation of the glass factory, which was to cover the needs of storage of the liquid products of the Fertilizer Company, was transformed after a short period of time. Except from the production of the glass containers, other glass utility objects were added, mostly of domestic use, objects of decoration and sheets of glass.
Besides the archive of the Company that was rescued and rests at the Historical Archives of the National Bank, there is also the collection of over four thousand glass samples from the total products that were produced by the glass factory. The collection of the glass objects is unique material which composes a parallel history of the Company through the products that were produced. It demonstrates the various periods of production and reflects the changes that happened during the various production transitions.
Αφηγήσεις
Text Credits
- Eleni Kyramargiou, Historian, Associate Researcher at the Institute of Historical Research, National Hellenic Research Foundation
Photo Credits
- Urban Environment Laboratory Archive, School of Architecture, NTUA and National Bank of Greece Historical Archive.
In collaboration with:
Under the patronage and attendance:
