Crystal Casements and Shattered Panes: Staging Window Glass in Early Modern England

Abstract: The revival of the window glass industry in mid-sixteenth-century England is a remarkable comeback story. By the early 1560s, window glass production had all but ceased. It would not stay that way, however, because in 1567, glassmakers fleeing persecution arrived and revitalized the craft. These immigrants brought new technologies that dramatically improved window glass production and quality. While historians have revealed much about this glass renaissance and how it influenced domestic architecture, little has been said about its depiction in drama. This article argues that by surveying early modern plays, we can trace the transformation of window glass from a luxury to a disposable commodity.