Lecture 'The alchemy of glass as a metaphor for Masonic work.' | David Beliën & David Kromhout

7 November 2026 | 14:00 | Walburgiskerk Zutphen

The work we do in the lodge - trying to become a better person - can also be seen as a form of alchemy. All kinds of elements are brought together in the 'vessel' of the workshop, shaken, heated, stirred and then - if you are patient enough - something of the pure essence appears. we all potentially carry this within us but it often remains hidden under the dust of everyday life. A metaphor for this is the art of glassblowing, which involves working with the elements fire, earth, water and air to conjure up transparent glass as the fifth element and forming glasses, bowls or cups from it.

One of our brothers, David Beliën, is a glassblower by profession. Not just a profession: he lives for glass. Transparency plays the leading role in his work. David's objects are often sober, tranquil. Using ancient alchemical knowledge, he knows how to treat glass in such a way that the question arises whether the glass might be something alive. But he does not just want to be a glass artist, he is also a craftsman. The craft of glassblowing requires a fast and extremely precise technique. You cannot work in a hurry, but not too slowly either. The glass goes into a furnace at about 1150 degrees Celsius. There has to be a balance between purpose and artistic integrity.

David's studio is located in Zutphen. His studio accommodates a new generation of glass makers and artists by establishing good collaborations with Art & Design academies and individual designers. In addition, David is keen to create a place to train young people and is thus the only recognised apprenticeship company in the Netherlands.

Linking up with 'Zutphen Glas Expo', at the beginning of November in the Walburgiskerk, David Beliën will give a demonstration of his work. Brother David Kromhout responds by making connections with alchemy. A born teacher (he works as a lecturer in classical languages), David can make a complicated subject particularly accessible to you. His fascination with alchemy has mainly to do with the inspiring insights that a combination of classical tradition and Western esotericism offers us.