A potted history of some of the greatest art glass makers from right across the globe. From Roman right up to 21-century artists.
Glass producers have come a long way since they first began producing glass beads in Egyptian times.
Now, makers of glass are showing off their skills to a very high degree. So much so, that modern glass artists are often feted as fine art glass artists.
The Art Nouveau and Art Deco Eras After the Napoleonic Wars drew to a close in 1815, Bohemia was once again free to begin a steady ascent towards the pinnacle of glassmaking, and retake the crown that had by then been passed to England. It would take some time before the Bohemian glass artists caught […]
Czech Art Glass Continue Reading »
The term “Bohemian glass” is one that frequently leads to confusion for those just entering the world of art glass collecting; the word “Bohemian” is, after all, most strongly associated today with the romantic 19th century French movement that championed embracing a state of artistic poverty. Yet, upon delving into the realm of Victorian glassware,
Bohemian Glass: The Enduring Legacy of Czech Art Glass Continue Reading »
The phrase ‘Depression Glass’ is often treated as an umbrella term, a catch-all definition used by collectors somewhat indiscriminately to describe a type of inexpensive glass (either clear or coloured) that was manufactured in large quantities; primarily during the 1920s and early 1930s (though various forms were made over the decades that followed as well).
Depression Glass: Vintage Americana Continue Reading »
Far too many of the great glass houses of yore have been lost to us (or exist now only in a much reduced capacity), with even giants like Waterford Wedgwood stumbling into receivership, owing to the global recession that occurred in the early 2000s. As such, the existence of an enduring success story within the
Dartington Glass: A Cinderella Story Continue Reading »
Today, we take a dim view of imitation in the world of manufacturing. “Knockoffs” are branded unoriginal, uninspired, flimsier versions of the original. In the long-ago Kingdom of Bohemia, however, imitation truly flattered Loetz when Kralik glassworks decided to jump on the Jugendstil bandwagon in the late 1800s, mimicking the art glass techniques Loetz had
Kralik Glass: No Pale Imitator Continue Reading »
Sowerby Glass was the result of a succession of glass events. Carnival glass, famous for the iridescent oily-rainbow shimmer that dances colours wildly across its surface, was once one of the most popular forms of decorative glass on Earth, produced on every continent except Africa and Antarctica. It was beloved in the early 20th century
Diamonds in the Rough: The Rise and Fall of Sowerby Glass Continue Reading »
‘Wedgwood’ is a name that seldom needs further introduction; the word itself calls to mind elegance, the grace of scenes painted in delicate washes of cobalt blue, the translucence of fine china, white as bone, and the radiant prism of perfectly-cut crystal. Such is the legacy of Wedgwood’s astounding 250 year reign over the world
Waterford Wedgwood: 250 Years of British Excellence Continue Reading »
The freedom of spirit and expression that is immediately called to mind when one hears the word “Bohemia”—gipsies traipsing through wild lands in colourful dress, eschewing the trappings of money and classism to embrace music and adventure—is a natural fit with the principles of Art Nouveau, which championed a return to nature in its embrace
Loetz Glass: Jewels of Bohemia – The Art Nouveau Glass of Loetz Witwe Continue Reading »
Writing habitually about art glass and the history thereof is an experience that frequently mingles awe with a touch of sadness. The delicate beauty, intricate details, and sheer creativity that can be seen in so many great works of glass is enough to both take one’s breath away and to instil a renewed appreciation for
Caithness Glass: Highland Magic Continue Reading »
During the years that preceded World War 2 (roughly from 1920-1945), Rene Lalique’s glassmaking venture was at its zenith. The native of Marne, France, who first rose to prominence as a revolutionary creator of Art Nouveau styled jewelry, had moved on to pioneer Art Deco styled glass. His designs took the world by storm, and
Decorative Glass Bowls: Rene Lalique Continue Reading »