Fenton Art Glass was in business for over years. During that time, it created decorative and functional glassware pieces using only traditional methods. In its era, it was the largest United States-based manufacturer of colorful glass collectibles.
In particular, glass chemist Jacob Rosenthal developed the rich-looking chocolate glass and golden agate glass hues. In addition to its blown and pressed glassware, Fenton added unique decorative elements to its glass. In fact, many glass collectibles display intricate hand-painted motifs. Fenton Art began as a glassware painting business in After a few years, the Ohio-based company decided to start making its own line of glass.
So it moved its operations to West Virginia, which was abundant with glassmaking materials. In , Fenton Glass Art boldly introduced its popular Carnival glass line. The glassware was striking. It featured an iridescent finish inspired by fine Tiffany and Steuben iridescent glass. After years in business, Fenton Art Glass shuttered its glass making plant in Afterward, another Ohio glassmaker acquired the molds and currently produces an assortment of Fenton-stamped collectibles.
Fenton Art Glass produced an impressive variety of useful and decorative glassware. Pieces such as candy dishes and compotes are functional, while bells and hats are purely whimsical. Either way, all the Fenton glass pieces are quite collectible. Here are some examples of the most popular vintage Fenton glassware pieces:. Fenton Art Glass is known for its rich, vibrant colors and sculpted motifs. Most pieces were fabricated in clear crystal, although Fenton also produced some colored satin glassware.
Carnival glass is available in a rainbow of colors. The glassware is also known for its highly sculpted and embellished patterns. From to , Carnival glass was a popular carnival prize hence its name. Afterwards, demand for it slowed, but it enjoyed a comeback in the s and s. Depression glass is similar to Carnival glass, but Depression glass has a consistent color and lacks an iridescent sheen. Fenton custard glass is appropriately named, as this opaque yellow-toned glass resembles freshly blended custard.
Non-hobnail Fenton milk glass pieces are also collector favorites. Fenton also produced a beautiful overlay milk glass variety. Overlay milk glass features transparent colored glass applied over the white milk glass.
Fenton introduced its hobnail glass in Fenton offered hobnail vases and other pieces in nine solid colors. Of these, the cranberry glass is very popular with collectors.
Compact opalescent hobnail vases are the perfect size for a small display case or shelf. Generally speaking, all Fenton opalescent glass continues to be a highly desirable find. Fenton Family Signatures. You are here: Home » Timeline. Fenton and his brother John W. The first piece made on January 2, , is a crystal cream pitcher with a Water Lily and Cattails pattern.
Jacob Rosenthal is the factory manager and glass chemist. Other American glassmakers soon introduce competitive products, and this glassware dominates the marketplace for nearly a decade. Items are marked with a distinctive logo, the word "Fenton" in script type within an oval.
Throughout the s, Fenton's Milk Glass, Burmese and Rosalene colors continue to rise in popularity. Fenton becomes President, and he remains at the helm today. Fenton retires to the position of Historian. Later, on-air guests include other family members. There were 12 annual ChrisTmas in America plates; nine annual Mothers Day plates; the Bicentenial Glassware in , and many more collectors series.
Carnival glass also entered a new phase of popularity in the 's, mostly with collectors. This was such a successful idea that it was extended to all Fenton glassware produced from onwards. Fenton glassware from the 's can be identified by the tiny number 8 under the n in Fenton; and similar in the 's there is a number 9 under the n.
This kind of clear identification and dating ensures that Fenton glass will continue to delight collectors. Another logo of an F in script within a vertical oval was added from onwards to molds obtained from other companies and used by Fenton for reproduction and variation pieces.
Another highly successful Fenton product was introduced in , namely Burmese glass. This kind of glass is opaque, matt, cream shading to light pink at the top. It was first produced by the Mt Washington glass company who patented it in , but it was so difficult to produce that they gave up in Fenton made many designs and shapes in Burmese glass, which continues as one of their most successful lines even today.
The decorating department is another feature of Fenton's that must be mentioned. Many Fenton pieces are hand decorated and signed by the artists, again very popular with collectors. Collecting Fenton glass is a very popular hobby. Collectors may specialise in a particular colour or type of glass carnival glass, Burmese glass, milk glass for example or they may specialise in a type of object bells, or slippers, or cats, or vases. Fenton has always produced sufficient variety every year to keep all their supporters happy.
Unfortunately in it was announced that the Fenton Art Glass Company was to cease production and close down. By mid there were further announcements about Fenton carrying on as a result of the support received from their customers and the flood of orders that had poured in since the announcement.
We wait to see, hoping that this great company with its long traditions will survive yet again. If you are looking for Fenton glass, you can usually find items on offer on ebay. Click here to see Fenton glass currently for sale on ebay.
If you have enjoyed this article, here are some books on Fenton glass that you may find helpful. Click on any book cover on this page to read more about a particular book. A new book on Pirelli Glass. Including many original catalog pictures and dozens of photographs.
0コメント