I love Pyrex. I’m not talking about the kitschy colorful mixing bowl variety Pyrex, although there is nothing wrong with that.
images via Flickr, A Cozy Cup of Tea, and Dwell Lovely
I love the story of Pyrex. Pyrex is one of those ubiquitous household items that started life as something else entirely and through a series of events ended up finding its way into almost every household in the US.
image via I Adore Style
Pyrex is basically borosilicate glass developed by Otto Schott of Germany in 1893. Borosilicate glass was used in a product called Nonex that was a low-expansion glass. Nonex was being used as battery containers and lantern globes for the railroad.
images via Ebay and Gather and Hunt
Low-expansion meant that the glass could be heated and cooled without it shattering. An employee of Corning Glass, named Jesse Littleton, decided to cut down one of the battery containers and create a casserole dish for his wife. Corning decided to make this a consumer product and in 1915 you had Pyrex. Over the years a variety of designers have utilized Pyrex in many different ways.
images via Auctacity and Constant Gatherer Etsy Shop
images via MoMA
From lab equipment to cookware, what I find particularly attractive about Pyrex is the honesty of the items made with the glass. The glass, coupled with wood, leather and cork, comes off simple, elegant and classic.
Check out the variety of uses and forms that Pyrex has taken over the years.
What pieces of Pyrex do you have in your house?
images via MoMA
images via MoMA
image via Dipper Vintage Etsy Shop and Lackluster Co. Etsy Shop and MoMA
image via Yes, Have Some Etsy Shop and Sweet Honey Vintage Etsy Shop
