January 6, 2009
Art glass sprang from a revolution in glassmaking in the mid 1800s, when glass blowers began experimenting with different colors, patterns, and textures. The subsequent melding of artistry and technique resulted in a wide variety of beautiful handmade objects such as vases, lampshades, bowls, bottles, paperweights, figural works, and even marbles. Many art glass designs created by early innovators like Rene Lalique and Louis Comfort Tiffany are still in use today.
Other collectible art glass names include Johann Loetz, Fredrick Carder of Steuben, Galle, Thomas Webb and Sons, Stevens and Williams, Handel and Co., Pairpoint, Waterford, Baccarat, Fenton and Blenko.
Art Nouveau art glass, produced around the turn of the 20th century, was inspired by ancient glass that had been buried for so long it had become iridescent. Works from this era are characterized by bright and iridescent colors, and a focus on organics and nature. In the 1920s and 1930s, Art Nouveau gave way to Art Deco. Art Deco art glass is characterized by clear crystal, pastel colors and geometric designs.
After the Art Nouveau era in the early 1900s, there was a void in American-made art glass. But work continued in Europe, especially in France by artists such as Lalique, Daum, and Baccarat, in Scandinavia by artists such as Orrefors and Kosta Boda, and in Italy on the island of Murano. The 1950s and ’60s saw a reawakening in American-made art glass, led by artists such as Harvey Littleton - a tradition continued today by contemporary designers like Dale Chihuly.
I started becoming interested in art glass when I moved from Texas to New York, and wanted to decorate my apa… [more]
This fabulous site is a guide to Bohemian art glass makers from 1885 to 1920. Loetz was the premier Bohemian glass … [more]
This Illinois State Museum microsite showcases over 200 of the finest examples of antique French paperweights of th… [more]
Chris and Val Stewart’s impressive attempt to create a complete catalogue of all known cloud glass, a decorative … [more]
This website, home of the Antique and Art Glass Salt Shaker Collector's Society, offers a beautiful photo gallery s… [more]
Frank Andrew’s beautiful and definitive reference guide to art glass produced in Scotland by the Spanish Ysart fa… [more]
Richard More’s stunning gallery of glass paperweights produced by the Ysart family from 1946 to 1980 (Ysart Brot… [more]
Michael and Lori Palmer's site dedicated to the hand painted decorations of Abels, Wasserberg and Company, known as… [more]
Hidden within this academic-looking research tool is an unbelievable database of almost 18,000 images of medieval s… [more]
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Elmira Star-Gazette, NY -
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT ART GLASS, from the Martin House; Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University, Ithaca. GLITTERING TRADITIONS: GLASS HOLIDAY ...
Wall Street Journal -
Doors, windows and hanging or wall-mounted light boxes are fitted, inside exquisite wood or metal frames, with colored or marbled art glass divided by ...
Antiques and the Arts Online, CT -
... Vivika and Otto, cut and etched glass, Murano Art Glass, Lenox, Waterford, carnival and depression glass, Phoenix glass, Pilgrim glass, Oriental rugs, ...
Peoria Journal Star, IL -
"It's all sculptural art glass. Some of them do have resemblances to other materials. "The spectrum runs from Kaori Koike's tiny, flame-worked, ...
Marietta Register Online, OH -
Fenton’s story began in 1905, when brothers Frank L. and John W. Fenton founded Fenton Art Glass with just $284.86 between them. ...
The Open Press (press release) -
... The human form as a theme in glass art of all kinds is the subject of an exhibit at Flame Run contemporary art glass studio from February 6 to March 28. ...
Hudson Hub-Times, Ohio -
"There are handmade art glass pieces from Steuben and Fenton as well as an array of blown and pressed items made in Cambridge or Tiffin. ...
Elmira Star-Gazette, NY -
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT ART GLASS, from the Martin House; Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University, Ithaca. GLASS OF THE ALCHEMISTS: LEAD ...
SheKnows.com, AZ -
A more affordable way to enjoy the beauty of art glass in a window is by hanging an independent piece from the window frame with hooks and chains. ...
