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