Guest Bio
Allen Loomis is a recent PhD graduate from Binghamton University. His dissertation, Transparent Glass Windows and Domestic Theatricality in Early Modern England, takes as its starting point the observation that, though large transparent glass windows are ubiquitous today, they were once a novel and culturally disruptive technology. His project examines their emergence and popularization in England during the early modern period, which was driven by the arrival of refugee glassmakers from war-torn Europe. With this new technology, windows in England grew larger and larger, and aristocrats and wealthy urban merchants began building mansions with expansive glass facades adorned with bay windows. He argues that these shifts in architecture transformed how people saw the relationship between public space and private dwellings, and he traces how popular culture responded to and helped conceptualize the significance of these changes.
Some Resources:
- Dr Loomis’ website (https://allenloomis.com)
- Dr Loomis’ Instagram account (https://www.instagram.com/allenloomis)
- Book: A Day at Home in Early Modern England by Catherine Richardson and Tara Hamling
- Book: The Development of English Glassmaking by Eleanor Godfrey
- The Corning Museum of Glass: https://home.cmog.org/
Episode Summary
Join host Natalie Grueninger as she delves into a fascinating conversation with Dr. Alan Loomis on the evolution of transparent glass windows in early modern England. Discover how this novel feature transitioned from a luxury for the elite to a common household element by the end of the 17th century, transforming domestic spaces and influencing interactions.
Dr. Loomis shares intriguing insights into the role these windows played in Elizabethan drama and their lasting cultural significance. Listen as he uncovers the societal shifts and dramatic tensions associated with transparent glass, while also exploring personal stories and historic events linked with glass windows of that era. Plus, hear an exciting account of William Shakespeare’s use of bay windows as a status symbol.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast intrigued by the Tudor period or a fan of early modern drama, this episode promises engrossing tales of architectural innovation and societal change. Don’t miss out on this enlightening discussion!
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