The "Edition Gernheim" consists of small series that take into account the technical capacities of the Gernheim glassworks: in the former glassworks, two glassmakers work using the mouth-blowing process, while the grinding and engraving workshop is run by the master engraver. Although this does not allow for large-scale production, it does offer more technically sophisticated manufacturing processes that enable the creation of more individual and therefore more distinctive objects.

Glass projects. A collaboration between Kunsthochschule Kassel and Gernheim Glassworks

Since 2011, glass objects for an "Edition Gernheim" have been created as part of three seminars at Kunsthochschule Kassel. Three groups of students from the Design Department worked on their prototypes over the course of one semester each. They were given the opportunity to realise their ideas on site with two glassmakers and an engraver.

At the beginning of each cycle, the students visited the glassworks to gain initial experience with the glass furnace. This allowed them to develop a sensitivity for the properties and limitations of the material. This was followed by a design phase, which concluded with a discussion in which glassmakers and engravers worked with the students to explore the technical possibilities for implementation. Among other things, mould construction and the use of materials other than glass were planned. During the subsequent project phase, the students worked on a daily basis at the Gernheim glassworks to realise their designs. Due to the museum setting, the students also had the opportunity to invent and test unusual techniques and manufacturing processes. This in turn led to unexpected positive innovations on the part of the experienced technicians, which arose from unorthodox problem-solving with the students.

Project Exhibition

In addition to the design and technical implementation, the idea arose in 2012 that a group of students could design the final exhibition of the project, including display cases and all printed materials. The result was an exhibition that showed the results of all three project phases at the place where they were created; its presentation was largely in the hands of the students. The exhibition was open to visitors from 29 June to 11 October 2015.

With works by Natascha Burk, Saskia Drebes, Cosima Geyer, Rosa Heinz, Monja Hirscher, Verena Hutter, Hanna Krüger, Jessica Kuttner, Natalie Löwen, Tim Mackerodt, Chuana Mahlendorf, Felix Phumdorkmai, Valeria Santagati-Juraschek, Oliver Schaub, Simon Scherer, Lea Schücking, Sophie Charlott Stein, Robin Stumvoll, Xiayue Su, Lisa Wübbeler, Lion Wolff, Maurice Zacher and Darius Zalzadeh.

Photos © Jens Gerber