Award-Winning Glassblower Brings Together Creativity and Science at UA

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — When scientific glassware breaks at The University of Alabama, it doesn’t go far to be repaired. Richard Smith, manager of UA’s Glassblowing Facility, has been repairing and making glassware on campus for 18 years.

Smith has been recognized nationally by the American Scientific Glassblowers Society as 2008 recipient of their highest honor, the J. Allen Alexander Award.

The award provided an interesting twist, said Smith, past president of the ASGS. “I normally nominate members for various awards,” he said, adding that he was honored to be a recipient.

As the holder of one of UA’s more unusual staff positions, Smith provides a unique and very useful service to researchers at the University.

Having a glassblower on campus gives scientific programs flexibility when designing and conducting experiments. Smith works closely with researchers to design glassware that fits their research needs, allowing them to conduct many experiments that would be impossible if they had to order glassware from a catalog.

If something does not work the way they had planned, they are able to try again until they get the piece that is best for the experiment, said Smith. This system also saves money because rather than having to buy new glassware when what they are working with becomes chipped or broken, Smith repairs what they have.

The UA Glassblowing Facility, housed on campus in Shelby Hall, was specially designed by Smith and is set up to meet current campus needs. Smith also teaches an Interim Term glassblowing course there, providing an opportunity for students to learn the craft and possibly use it in future scientific work.

A cash prize accompanied Smith’s award, but he donated it back to the ASGS for the Allan B. Brown Memorial Seminars, named for one of the past presidents of the organization who has passed away. The seminars, which are held during the annual symposium, teach new skills or serve as a refresher course for glassblowers.

Smith, who got into the glassblowing trade as an apprentice decorative glassblower, has been a scientific glassblower at UA since 1990. At UA, he has also been able to use his decorative and sculpting techniques while producing scientific pieces.

Among the more memorable pieces Smith has created is one that looked like a large piece of sheet music, various versions of the Shelby Hall Rotunda, as well as paperweights and glass elephants. He has also replaced hurricane globes on a chandelier in the UA President’s Mansion. And, adding his own personal touch, some of his scientific glassware bears the UA seal.