Fenton Art Glass Company
Over the Back Fence Magazine | Summer 2005
Fragile beauty is given birth from molten glass as it is
twirled and gathered like thick brilliant taffy from the belly of
a fire-clay cauldron, whose volcanic temperatures reach 2,500 degrees.
Spinning, blowing, molding and forming works of art in the Ohio
Valley has been a 100-year tradition that is the last of an ancient
craft and still can be witnessed today.
The Fenton Art Glass Company began in 1905, originally located in Martins
Ferry, Ohio, where two ambitious brothers, Frank and John, started what
is today a generational family business. In an abandoned factory, the
brothers bought plain glass from surrounding glass factories and applied
unique artistic designs, firing them in their own small kiln. In time
the glass factories refused to sell to them due to the competition.
With great financial risk and hardships of meeting payroll the early
Fenton brothers embarked on making their own glass. "They chose Williamstown, WV, to make
the transition of just decorating glass to manufacturing glass," states
James Measell, historian for the Fenton Art Glass Co., standing among the museum
showcases, banked with literally hundreds of fine art glass in all shapes, sizes
and designs. "Glass making was done in Italy and England throughout
the 1500's to 1800's; there are simply very few places still doing
it as an old world craft. We are proud to be apart of this tradition."
 This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Fenton Art Glass
Co., unique in all aspects of the old world skill and craftsmanship. And, it
is still owned and operated by the Fenton Family.
About 200,000 visitors each year experience the Fenton Art Glass Company. "We
are the world's foremost manufacturer of handmade art glass today. The tools
and techniques are essentially unchanged from a century ago," says
Measell.
Artisans and designers create one-of-a-kind items that you can witness through
their free factory tours given several times a day. One can experience the
heat of the furnaces, the ember brilliance of molten glass and watch the deftly
skilled detail as the glass is quickly twirled, pulled and blown into the final
piece.
"Fenton employs about 430 at this location. Some two hundred work in the
glass making area, with about 35 to 40 occupying a skilled position of gatherer,
presser, blower, blocker, handler, ringer and finisher." Measell points
to each as they perform their task. "In general it takes 8 to 10 years
to learn various skill positions. Their training begins by gendering glass,
going to the furnace for hot glass on an ancient tool called a punty (seven foot
long steel pole) or gathering it to a blow pipe." The size of
the molten glass gathered is dependent on the object being made. It
can range from 5 ounces for a small object to 8 pounds for a punch
bowl. The speed at which the punty is turned, and watching that no
air bubbles occur, are the first steps to a quality finished glass
piece.
With iridescent, opalescent, milk glass and carnival glass imprisoning rainbows
of color, the Fenton Art Glass Co. has led the way in innovation and design.
Fenton was the originator of Carnival Glass in late 1907, which was called iridescent
ware. The metallic look is created by spraying an application that contains
metallic salts on to hot glass.
Behind the backdrop of the huge factory outlet, one is able to watch the
painting of current pieces by numerous artists each diligently defining
the images on glass. A design department is where creative thinking defines
each new piece that is produced for that year's line of art glass.
"Since 1968, every piece painted is signed by a Fenton Artist (painter).
We have people from all over the country and world that collect our glass art.
There is a loyal following, calling themselves Fentonfanatics. One can locate
them on the Internet at www.fentonfan.com These folks are what I would describe
as those who have very well developed collections. They are not interested
in buying one of everything, they are interested in particular colors, shapes
or maybe some just wish to have the items from the Connoisseur Collection."
Measell continues.
 The Fenton Art Glass Co. has several lines of art glass available.
The Connoisseur Collection presents each year "the best of the best" and
for the 100th Anniversary Fenton has a special Platinum line that
will be highly collectable and can only be obtained this year. Each
item will be limited A unique coffee table book has also been created
for the 100th Anniversary celebration. This book contains images
of the 100 best Fenton Glass Artworks. A Fenton family member signs
each book.
The 100th Anniversary Celebration continues throughout 2005. Events are scheduled
across the U.S. with Fenton family members making special appearances at Fenton
Museum exhibits being hosted by well-known art museums and at showcase stores.
There is a special five-day Grand 100th Celebration at Williamstown, WV, at the
Fenton Art Glass Co., from July 29 to August 2. This will give collectors the
opportunity to have Fenton family members sign their glass art. A craft fair,
glass history display with a glassmaking and decorating school, E-bay University
and possibly QVC live broadcast will be some of the events. A special auction
of 150 well chosen pieces of Fenton Glass will be held on July 31.
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