Fenton Art Glass Company: 
102 years later, the doors to this family owned business are closing.
Blenko is now the last major American glass manufacturer in West Virginia.

Official Press Release
The Fenton Art Glass Company announced yesterday (August 9,
2007) that it would cease its operations over the next few
months.

"This decision was difficult," company President George
W. Fenton said. "Since the announcement in June regarding
our efforts toward financial restructuring, we took many
steps to try to continue the company's operations.
Ultimately, those efforts were not successful."

The Fenton Gift Shop will remain open, and its management
will be exploring ways to continue to offer visitors and
tourists the glassmaking experience. "We hope to see many
of our customers and friends later this summer and into the
fall season," said gift shop President Randy Fenton.

"After discussions with our largest creditor, we agreed on
an orderly plan to wind down our business," George Fenton
said. "We want to pay off as much of our debt as possible
before we cease operations altogether, and this plan allows
us to do that. We met with our employees today, and we
expect to continue some level of glass production and glass
decorating to fill orders for our products."

"We want to thank those in the local community for their
support," George Fenton said, "and we want to thank our
larger customer community. Most of all, we want to thank all
of the current and past employees of Fenton Art Glass who
have been part of the Fenton tradition of glassmaking."

 


Fenton's History

Fenton Art Glass Company is the largest manufacturer of handmade colored glass in the United States.

The Fenton Art Glass Company was founded in 1905 by Frank L. Fenton and his brother John W. Fenton in an old glass factory building in Martins Ferry, Ohio. They began by painting decorations on glass blanks made by other glass manufacturers. Soon, being unable to get the glass they needed, they decided to produce their own glass. The first glass from the new Fenton factory in Williamstown, West Virginia, was made on January 2, 1907.

Frank L. Fenton's desire to develop new and unusual colors helped to keep Fenton in the forefront of the handmade art glass industry. During the years from 1905 to the 1920's, Fenton design was heavily influenced by the artists at Tiffany and Steuben. In late 1907, Fenton introduced "Iridescent" glass. This glass, now known as "Carnival" glass, is a popular collectible today.

During the 1930's and 1940's, Fenton produced practical items, such as mixing bowls and tableware to get through the depression and WWII shortages. They continued working on developing a wide array of new colors. In the late 1940's, the top three members of the Fenton management team died, leaving Frank M. Fenton, age 33, and Wilmer C. (Bill) Fenton, age 25, to step in and take over as President and Vice President. In spite of other glass factories closing at a rapid rate, Frank and Bill led the Fenton factory through significant American growth for the next 30 years.

In 1986, the leadership of the company passed on to the third generation, with George W. Fenton, Frank M's son, taking over as President. Today nine Fenton family members work together along with over 150 employees to create handmade glass artistry that is loved by collectors around the world. Fenton is known for its beautiful colors and patterns. Each piece of glass is an artistic creation by skilled glassworkers and decorators.

Visit and support Fenton's Official Website

Another great resource is The Collector's Showcase
, located in Star Center Antique Mall, which is
one of Fenton's largest West Coast outlets
.

RELATED LINKS:

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/08/09/ap4006196.html

http://www.giftsanddec.com/article/CA6468930.html

http://www.mariettatimes.com/news/story/new33_815200774635.asp

http://www.wtap.com/news/headlines/9094251.html

http://www.dailymail.com/story/Opinion/2007081318/Another-touchstone-manufacturer-gone/

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x1630763

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