Glow and Get It! - Hobby Turned Hyper-Fixation

Shi Weinhold | Writer

Shi Weinhold's Collection

I have always been fascinated with antiquing. I think the idea of having something tangible from someone’s past can serve as a reminder that what we leave behind can stay on this earth for many centuries after we are gone. 

About three years ago, while at a friend’s house, I discovered multiple green and red glasses sitting on a display case. My friend shot me a glance as she turned on a blacklight almost as if to say, “watch this.” The green glasses began to glow this neon green color, and the red ones started to glow this yellowish amber color. 

I learned that this kind of glass glows under blacklight due to the uranium oxide used to color the glass during production. I believe that the glow of the glass is what led me to the decision that I had to get my hands on some of my own glassware.

Starting out, I didn’t always have the best luck with finding much of anything. The search for glass can be quite tricky if you do not have your own light. Almost like a scavenger hunt.

I can remember the moment I found one of my absolute favorite pieces of glassware antiquing with my partner out in Lewisburg. A cherry red turkey candy dish that glows a vibrant amber color under blacklight.

Pure bliss.

After two and a half years, I have collected over twenty pieces of glassware and ceramics that all glow curiously with oranges and greens. Each of those pieces holds a special memory of where they came from and where I have been.