Welcome to the Glass Age

165 learning and training to women in a situation of social vulnerability by reactivating the glass decorative process of wheel engraving, a traditionally feminine craft. Finally, without glass it would be impossible for museums to operate properly: thanks to technological advancements, all-glass display cases and large sheets of plate glass give museums the possibility of improving significantly the design of their exhibitions. In all of them, the essential glass is intended to be unseen. Glass and ICOM ICOM, the International Council of Museums, is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to museums and museum professionals. Founded in 1946, ICOM shared the vision of seeing in culture and education a reaction to a world war marked by extreme violence and brutality. In this vision, museums are identified as powerful tools, capable of strengthening bonds among people promoting cultural heritage worldwide and supporting citizens in building peaceful communities. The specificity of glass in museums was soon acknowledged. Following the recommendations made by specialists of museums and collections of glass attending the 5th General Conference of ICOM in Stockholm (SE), on the 8th of July of 1959 the 6th ICOM General Assembly resolved to create an ICOM International Committee for Museums and Collections of Glassware , known today as ICOM Glass IC . The founding idea was that glass museums and glass departments would greatly benefit from close cooperation from each other. In order to further such cooperation, an inventory of museums and public collections of glass was launched. Special attention was placed to the enhancement of a scientific approach in conservation and restoration of glass in collections. After more than 60 years, this mandate is as relevant as ever. Recognized as an international established network of museum professionals leading with glass, ICOM Glass organizes Annual Meetings worldwide, including scientific programs Figure 10.13. ICOM Glass Meeting 2016. Museo di Antichità , Turin. Roman glass gallery. Source: Paloma Pastor - ICOM Glass. ©MiC - Musei Reali, Museo di Antichità.