Fenton Art Glass
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Fenton
Art Glass Company is the largest manufacturer of handmade colored
glass in the United States and it celebrated its centenary in 2005.
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.
Pictured right: The Fenton Plant,
1907
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.
Pictured left: Designed to celebrate
the Fenton Centennial - The Myriad Mosaic
During the years from 1905 to the 1920's, Fenton design was heavily
influenced by the artists at Tiffany and Steuben.
Pictured right: Fenton Persian
Medallion Plate
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.
Pictured right: Special “Family
Signing Event Piece” for 2005 the 6 1/4” Favrene Vase
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 400 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.
Related
So what actually is Carnival Glass?
Carnival Glass - The American Influence?
Carnival Glass & Carnival Glass message board
Fenton Art Glass at Auction
Video: Fenton Glass, 1905-2007 - Part 1
Video: Fenton Glass, 1905-2007 - Part 2