I attached a list of some materials that include Viking beads, as well as some general books about beads that may provide information. I have not updated the "bead furnace" list - I will search for newer sources and send them to you if they are useful.
Some materials on our list are available to you via Interlibrary Loan.
If you wish to obtain copies of library items on our list, please contact your local library. The Rakow Research Library is a member of the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC). Your library can contact us through OCLC or they may send an Interlibrary Loan form to us through e-mail, mail or fax. You may request up to 10 items at a time. We send photocopies of articles and will also loan books if a second copy is available in the library collection. Books are loaned for four week periods. Contact ill@cmog.org for further information. We cannot loan videos or DVDs.
Most of the books and articles listed cover the history of Viking beads. I will look further for more specific information about techniques for making Viking Age glass beads.
Have you seen the video Volcano dream? Giberson's research is similar to yours:
Volcano dream [videorecording]. Petrova Giberson for Joppa Glassworks. 1997.
1 videocassette (17 min.). This video tells the story of Joppa Glassworks, and the work of Dudley Giberson and Carolyn Rordam. Footage includes Mr. Giberson's process of melting glass for his
furnace, drawing tubes that are cut into individual beads. He shows how he uses pieces of this glass to create his "volcano" beads, roasting them in a volcano-shaped kiln which he had envisioned in a dream. He compares his technique to that of "A Spero", which was utilized in Murano between 15-17th centuries. This film should be not viewed for purposes of how to draw cane or make beads.
VHS.
Location: Video
Call Number: Volcano dream
He also describes his research in his book: A Glassblower's Companion, with details about construction of his bead furnace, pp. 20-22. (This is available via Interlibrary Loan).
Both are still available on his website: https://www.joppaglass.com/index.html
Links & Files
