Glass work is an integral part of Lebanese heritage - and an art form that is worth reviving for itself alone.

This summer we are going to be celebrating an ancient art form. It started centuries ago, during Mesopotamian times, and began with a simple piece of glass that was melted down to a hot liquid and then combined with other pieces. Archaeological evidence shows that glass fusion is an art form that was born under both Egyptian and Greek influences. It involves the heating and fusion of glass pieces to form sophisticated mosaics or striated patters.

This procedure was a forerunner of glassblowing; a technique that uses a blowing rod in order to manipulate glass which had been heated in a furnace. Glassblowing has been an integral part of Lebanese history since Phoenician times – Sarafand, a southern coastal village, was once a famous Phoenician port and a hub for the glassblowing industry. Today, it is the home of the Khalife family, the only remaining enterprise that is holding on steadfastly to the traditional glassblowing technique. To celebrate this heritage, Youmna and Joumana Medlej have written thoroughly-researched book called ‘Verre et Verries’ that illustrates the history of glass and glassmaking in the area.

Glass as an art form is receiving a new lease of life in Beirut, thanks to the workshops provided by the Ceramic Lounge in Saifi. This whole summer, kids and adults can walk in to their glass jewellery-making sessions. The process of making a glass pendant, for example, is no great challenge, and the result is a pure pleasure. After choosing a glass base, you begin gluing on smaller grass grains or pieces according to your taste, using tools such as pliers and cutters in order to cut the glass into the shapes you want. After your design is complete, the attendant will take it to the kiln for a slow heating process at extremely high temperatures. Three days later you’ll receive a personalised and very wearable piece of jewellery. As you practise your skills, the technique can mature into the shaping of amazing sculptures and mosaic plates. So, this summer, make sure to make glass a part of your appreciation – and creation – of art.