Christopher Robinson

Marble Makers

Five 5/8 inch to 3/4 inch Examples
Donated by Christopher Robinson

Five More Examples
Donated by Christopher Robinson

Christopher Robinson has studied the techniques of early handmade and machine-made marble manufacture. He is known as a craftsman making marbles in the old German antique style. His palette ranges from Onionskin Lutzes, Mist, Joseph Coat, and Indian style antique reproductions.

Artist Statement: “The sphere is the perfect shape. It encloses the most volume per surface area of any geometric form. Glass is the perfect material. Durable, strong, and harder than steel, infinite in it’s possibilities. Opaque, translucent, or transparent and with a vast range of colors. How many reds are there? How many shades can be achieved by layering a translucent red over different yellows? The possibilities are infinite.

A marble’s composition of colors and layers presents more varieties. The simplest form is an opaque, translucent, or transparent solid color. Add color to the surface then start layering the interior. Use millifiore techniques to reduce the thickness of canes to a hairs breath. The math looks something like this; infinite color possibilities X infinite composition types = more different marbles than I can make in a lifetime.”

The Museum of American Glass in West Virginia wishes to thank Christopher Robinson for donating to The National Marble Museum Collection. His unique designs are now part of the marble display.

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