The Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants was made for  the the Botanical Museum of Harvard University.Often referred to as Blaschka glass, the creations of glass are  a collection of almost 4,000 models of flowers, plants, and flower parts, made at Dresden between 1887 and 1936.The Blaschkas,  Leopold (1822-1895) and Rudolf (1857-1939), were father and son glass artists who lived and worked in Hosterwitz, Germany, near Dresden.Their most famous production was the Ware Collection of Glass Models of Plants, a collection of almost 4,000 models of flowers, plants, and flower parts, made at Dresden between 1887 and 1936 for the Botanical Museum of Harvard University.Over fifty years, from 1886 through 1936, the Blaschkas produced 4,300 glass models that represent 780 plant species.

The Blaschkas’ glassworking lineage is believed to trace back to 15th century Venice.

In their exquisite coloration, minute detail, and representational accuracy, these models fulfill their original purpose of botanical study; moreover, technically and artistically they are among the finest glass objects ever made.Over their fifty years creating the Glass Flowers, the Blaschkas continually experimented with materials and methods that pushed the boundaries of glass working.Years later, their complex and varied practices presented unique challenges for the conservators preserving and protecting the models, which led to a suite of conservation processes nearly as varied as the Blaschka’s techniques.More information and images of The Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants at Botanical Museum of Harvard University can be found at https://hmnh.harvard.edu/glass-flowers and https://digital.library.cornell.edu/collections/blaschka/today.