How to Spot a Guinness Air Bubble

It was a well know fact that the Blowers in Waterford Crystal Ireland had a really tough job. The heat in the Blowing Department reached temperatures in excess of 110 degrees. Some of the counter measures to combat this predicament were salt tablets. This would keep body fluids from building up and would bring much relief to these extraordinary artisans. This would also save their wives from doing laundry with extra fabric softeners. The result was softer shorts, which gave a element of comfort to these fine craftsmen of the now bankrupt Waterford Crystal in Ireland.

In those days, air-conditioning was unheard of and the next best relief available was an open window, a big fan turning at a high rate of speed to circulate the air, or a head/sweat band to stop the moisture from stinging the eyes, which could result in crystal pieces being deformed. Shirts were not allowed to be taken off, but on the real hot days the Supervisors overlooked it. Water fountains were spread throughout the factory floor which was a must have on the lazy warm days of summer. Other ways to beat the heat were to have liquid lunches at the local watering establishments.

Air Bubbles, also known as Smithwicks, Phoenix, Harp and Guinness bubbles, were formed in a lot of the crystal pieces that the blowers created. The Guinness bubbles were the largest and gave the cutters the most problems. It was up to the Master Cutter on the bench to determine what species the bubble was and to act accordingly to remove the air from the bubble. Special wheels called the GB Blaster were used frequently, where the cutter would have to wear a special oxygen mask to eliminate the hot air created by the Guinness formation. Many an American visitor, while taking the factory tour, was heard commenting on how happy the Blowers were. One of the favorite songs heard resonating in harmony with perfect pitch each day after lunch was "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles"