As a very first blog post, it seems fitting to give some insight into why the name “Noviol Journeys” was chosen. “Journeys” is pretty straightforward and understandable…..it conjures up images of travel to faraway, wondrous places; and this would be partly correct both in terms of places and eras. There will be travel discussed in this blog, but more often than not the sights to be seen may not be those which the average tourist would be caught taking selfies in front of. This is due to the fact that I am not a typical tourist. Fortunately my wonderful wife, Elizabeth, is very indulgent when I go off a beaten path with tools, cameras, etc to look at something that must seem an odd vacation stop–like the old powerplant we stopped at in Delta, CO while on our honeymoon travels. OK, so what about “Noviol”…what’s that? The answer gives a perfect opportunity for a look into the sort of thing I hope to do with this blog.
Noviol refers to a type of glass developed by the Corning Glass Works in New York. Due to the composition this glass has a characteristic yellow tint. It was successfully used prior to 1920 in automobile headlamp lenses. Corning patented a lens with a prism pattern used to help direct the otherwise divergent beam of light into a more focused direction which they called “Conaphore” and this, combined with the colored glass used made a rather effective beam of light for cutting through the darkness and fog while driving. In an era when many vehicles were still using acetylene lamps, an effective electric headlamp was revolutionary.
In addition, a later use of noviol glass was in neon tubing. This so called “noviol gold” color was produced in both uncoated and phosphor coated versions that gave a beautiful golden glow when a mercury and argon gas mix was used and ionized. (more on how this works and how it is made in another post, I promise) This use of noviol glass in signs reached its peak during the late 1930’s through early 1950’s–a truly golden color befitting a golden age of industrial design, radio, and many other things that still resonate and influence the world today. Later, similar colors became available from special double and triple coated phosphors applied to regular clear leaded (and now, lead free) glasses that are easier to work in the flame without breakage from thermal shock than the original noviol glass. Noviol glass tubing is, however, still available to tubebenders and some examples of this glass can still be found in neon signs and artwork today.
So as you can guess some of the passions that I enjoy sharing include science & technology, history, vintage automobiles, neon signs and art, restoration, and photography. It is my hope to use this blog to share some of my insights, experiences, photos, and stories as we journey along. Hopefully you will find the information interesting, entertaining, and in some cases maybe even useful when working on your own projects.
Enjoy!
-Robert