... between viewer and work
In May 2016, Kunsthandel published an interview by Thomas Deinlein on the subject of glass with the managing directors David and Heinrich HALBE. The title of the interview is: "Medium between viewer and work". It focusses on the importance of glass for Halbe picture frames and which glasses are used.
Thomas Deinlein: Which role does glass play at Halbe?
David Halbe: For us, glass is the medium between the viewer and the work. It should ideally protect the work and at the same time provide the viewer with an undistorted view. That's why glass plays such an important role for us.
Thomas Deinlein: Which possibilities of glass processing does HALBE use?
Heinrich Halbe: We rely on high production depths and traditionally still process glass ourselves. After cutting, each glass is edge ground and washed at HALBE. We are currently modernising our production facilities in order to be able to optimally process coated glass in particular.
Thomas Deinlein: Which glasses are used for which purpose?
Heinrich Halbe: We have 13 types of glass in our range - glossy, matt, scratch-resistant or anti-reflective. Float glass is used when there are no special requirements. Our plexiglass is used when weight, break resistance or UV protection are important. Single pane and double pane safety glass are well suited for public spaces. And the Schott Mirogard series as well as the Optium Museum Acrylic from True Vue are universally appreciated in museums and the arts where high conservation and optical demands are made.
Thomas Deinlein: How is the topic of glass sold to the company's customers?
David Halbe: First of all, it should be noted that there is no such thing as THE glass. To the layman, glasses do not differ at first glance. It is the art to prepare and present the different properties in an understandable way in order to later choose a suitable glass for the respective application and budget.
Thomas Deinlein: How is glass advertised at HALBE?
David HALBE: If uncertainty arises from lack of awareness, consumers often go for cheap solutions because the advantage of higher-priced glass is not immediately apparent. We therefore focus on educating and raising awareness of the subject of glass, e.g. the position of the
picture frame in the room, so that the end user makes a conscious decision in favour of a glass and chooses the ideal glass for his intended use.
Thomas Deinlein: How do you see the topic of glass at HALBE in the future?
Heinrich Halbe: We consider the topic to be of increasing importance. This is reflected, among other things, in the fact that we are now an Architectural Partner of Schott. This strengthens our range of cut and polished glass panes, as well as raw panes.
Thomas Deinlein: What expectations do you have of glass manufacturers?
Heinrich Halbe: : Our customers, and therefore us, are concerned with the issue of "easier cleaning". Dirt and cleaning marks are particularly visible on interference optical coatings, so we would like to see a more dirt-resistant surface on these panes - preferably on both sides to prevent confusion by the end user.