Collecting

As fingers of light bounce from angle to angle,  my eyes are satisfied with the glory of color and warmth. As my fingers caress the softness of the stuff of which it is made, I am rewarded with happiness and a feeling of comfort overwhelms me.

I place the vase back on the shelf and close the cabinet door.

One of the types of glassware that I love is colorful Fenton.



I have a few pieces, although I would buy a gazillion of them if I was a gazillionaire. I love the flowing shapes and how the light plays through the thick, hand blown glass.

We have stopped at the factory in Williamstown, West Virginia and taken the tour on one of our trips to Florida. 



This is my piece of ruby. Purchased at that factory a few years ago when Dick and I stopped.

Hand painted and signed, we've kept the original box and receipt.

This is a brief history taken from their website...


http://www.fentonartglass.com


Founded in 1905 by brothers Frank L. and John W. Fenton, the Fenton Art Glass Company ranks among the world's foremost producers of handmade art glass. Fenton is the largest manufacturer of handmade colored glass in the United States, and the company is renowned for innovative glass colors as well as hand-painted decorations on pressed and blown glassware.


For more than a century, Fenton has developed new colors and patterns, including items enhanced with hand-painted floral decorations and 22k gold accents. Fenton glass appeals to all types of customers, and, over the years, this appeal has led to the company's success.



In 2005, the Fenton Art Glass Company celebrated its 100th anniversary. The firm is now led by third- and fourth-generation Fenton family members, who work side by side with over 100 employees, including skilled glass workers and decorators, to create beautiful, handmade art glass in Williamstown, West Virginia.

These two pieces were given to me as wedding gifts... I think my first wedding in 1972? Both a gift from one of my cousins. The amber one from Irene, who lives in the Muskokas and another: Donna, who lived near a tiny village in Ontario called Courtland. 

 

 

Sadly, Donna was a cancer victim and I am grateful to have this memory of her.



Both antique and brand new, you can find pieces ranging from a few dollars to lots and lots of dollars and collections to fit all sorts and sizes of shelves. Pick some up at an auction, garage sale or Ebay. You don't have to buy new to own some exceptional examples and the selection is almost endless.


White hobnail is a classic with Fenton and just is always beautiful!

Our collections are an indication of who we are. 

I aspire to be as lovely as Fenton!