Pan c. 1825

This amber-colored glass pan was produced by the Mantua Glass Works sometime between 1821 and 1829. The intense industrialization of the 19th century saw glass making move away from small workshops and into large-scale factories. These factories often employed child labor. The glass-making industry brought together laborers of different backgrounds, creating a unique, diverse environment. The function of these glass pans may seem purely utilitarian, but in a rapidly changing world, the act of creating and possessing even a simple vessel can offer a sense of stability. These pans, touched by the hands of workers from diverse backgrounds, serve as humble reminders of the human stories behind industrial progress. As you consider this object, think about the labor, lives, and cultural dynamics that went into its creation.