Ken Purdham’s new book about glassmaking in Dandenong is written from the heart.
By Tania Martin
KEN Purdham’s fascination with glass has been etched into the pages of history in a newly released book.
The historian’s most recent book is about the former Pilkington Australia glass plant in Dandenong.
The book, “By the Banks of a Glass River,’’celebrates past eras of the factory and its people.
Mr Purdham said he wanted to share his love for the factory, which “is a part of me.”
Built in Greens Road in the early 1970s, the factory soon became a landmark for Dandenong. Its opening was described as one of the most significant events since Australia’s glassmaking industry began.
In 2007, the factory was bought by CSR and now operates under the Viridian banner.
Pilkington is close to his heart; he has worked at the factory for more than 35 years as a glassmaker, starting at the plant in 1973.
He never imagined that he would see the Pilkington era end.
“We’ve had some great times, some tough times, some funny times and some sad times… now we begin a new era when the glass will flow again for new generations of glassmakers.”
“It’s a tapestry, pictures of the past on the page and maybe an insight into why we are proud to say we are Pilkington people,” he said. He could be emailed at kpurdham@bigpond.net.au.
