Topic: It may be a stupid idea but it's how my head works : )

[petet63]

This might be a daft idea but this thought came into my head and I have to ask   I see a lot of Uranium glass that is badly damaged, in this world of re-cycling, could the glass be recycled and re worked into a sculpture, vase etc ? I dont know if it would work but I would like to see a large piece of Modern/Contemporary Art Glass in Uranium.  Could/should it be done ? Like I say, just an idea 

[Ivo]

If you're ever in Edinburgh see the Museum of Scotland. On the top floor they have a model of the Doonray nuclear plant cast in uranium glass. It is huge, and tastefully lit from underneath....

[petet63]

That would look great, I like Nuclear-Uranium connection. Would like to see an Art Nouveau style inspired piece or a large Spirit of Ecstacy . So it could be done  Anyone takes up this idea I want 10% and a large piece of Art Nouveau thrown in 

[chopin-liszt]

The Museum is the National Museum in Chambers Street. (with it's modern annexe)

There's a pic of the Uranium Dounray Power station here. (scroll down a bit, on the right)
http://www.nms.ac.uk/learning/communities/current_projects/scottish_mental_health.aspx

Mod: Link dead, see new link here: http://www.katewilliams.org.uk/works/power-stations/

It is not to be confused with the Museum of Edinburgh, which is down the Royal Mile, but also contains some wonderful old glass - well worth the trip.

http://www.edinburgh-royalmile.com/interest/edinburgh-museum.html
Don't miss either museum if you're there.

However, Pete, the Uranium glass is new, not recycled. It's currently made in Japan as far as I know.

[petet63]

Nice piece. So the worry about uranium and going bang no longer applies  It is a shame its not about as much but like I said I cant see why it hasn't been done and some people would just say 'Why ??' I dont understand the Physics of glass and have no idea if it could be melted down and reformed.
     In my minds eye I keep seeing this big piece of glass art on a wall with UV lights behind it fading on and off. Or a large vertical piece with rotating UV lights inside.  I have been laid up for a while so my head goes off on one Must speak to my GP about that new medication !!!
     I am looking for somewhere to go at the end of August so might suggest Edinburgh to my OH. Will keep the Glass part quiet though and act surprised 

[Ivo]

watch out festival time 3-27 august hotel prices go silly.

[Paul S.]

I would have thought that Health & Safety people would have a field day with this suggestion of melting down and re-working glass containing uranium.       Spent it may be, but I can't see the U.K. authorities allowing such a proposition, no matter how it's dished up in terms of green (no pun intended) recycling.            We send our old TV sets and computers to China, India and some south American countries so they can pick these over for heavy metals etc., but the British Board of Censors would give this uranium idea a double X rating I'm sure.
Now I supose someone will tell me I'm wrong and we have studios here which still do put uranium in glass.

[Lustrousstone]

Uranium is still used here in glass: the Dounreay sculpture lady, Adam Aaronson, Richard Golding... but its use is controlled. I suspect the use of uranium cullet might be even more strictly controlled. There are no problems in the physical sense with remelting it; it's just glass

[petet63]

Its an interesting idea though. I did read that U glass is being produced in small quantities in USA and Czechoslovakia The amount of uranium in the glass is small but if someone started collecting all the U glass for a 'sculpture' just how many agencies would get red flagged and how long before MI6 would be knocking on your door   A quick check reveals

 

ADDITIONAL SAFETY NOTE: The grinding or abrasive polishing of vaseline glass cannot be classed as 'Normal Use' as the dust and residue produced by these actions can be toxic if inhaled or ingested and therefore should be avoided.

 Would still love to see it done though 

[Lustrousstone]

Uranium glass is produced in quite reasonable quantities in several countries but it is no use for atomic weapons because it uses spent uranium. There are no national security issues. If there were it wouldn't be for sale new or old.