Fenton Art Glass Company
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| Fenton Art Glass Company | |
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| Type | Private company |
| Founded | Martins Ferry, Ohio (1905) |
| Headquarters | Williamstown, West Virginia, USA |
| Employees | 120 |
| Website | http://www.fentonartglass.com |
The Fenton Art Glass Company was founded in 1905 by brothers Frank L. Fenton and John W. Fenton in an old glass factory in Martins Ferry, Ohio. Originally, they painted glass blanks from other glass makers, but started making their own glass when they were unable to buy the glass they needed. They moved across the Ohio river to Williamstown, West Virginia and built a factory in 1906. The first year for glass production was 1907. [1].
Frank Fenton was the designer and decorator. Between 1905 to 1920, the designs made there were heavily influenced by two other glass companies, Tiffany and Steuben. But the many different colors were the work of Jacob Rosenthal, a famous glass chemist who is known for developing chocolate and golden agate glass.[2] Towards the end of 1907, the Fenton brothers were the first to introduce carnival glass, which would later become a popular collector's item.[3].
During the Great Depression and World War II, Fenton produced practical items (such as mixing bowls and tableware) due to shortages. At the same time, they continued creating new colors. Towards the end of the Great Depression they also produced perfume bottles for the Wrisley Company in 1938. The bottles were made in French Opalescent glass with the hobnail pattern. [4].
In the late 1940's, the top three members of Fenton's management died. Frank Fenton and Wilmer C. "Bill" Fenton immediately stepped in and took over the positions of President and Vice President, respectively. Over the next thirty years, they continued to expand Fenton Art Glass, despite a large number of glass factories closing down.
In 1986, George W. Fenton, Frank's son, took over as President of the company.[5]
[edit] Closure
On August 9, 2007, Fenton Art Glass sent out a press release stating would "cease... operations over the next few months."
Their plans involved laying off 25 employees immediately, and in the following weeks, gradually lay off the rest of their workers. [6] However, on December 4, 2007, Fenton Art Glass released a press statement, saying that due an unexpected buying frenzy and internal restructuring, the company would stay open until at least the spring of 2008[7].
[edit] External Links
- Fenton Art Glass Company's website
- The Fenton Art Glass Collectors of America
- The National Fenton Glass Society
- The Pacific Northwest Fenton Association
- Fenton Fanatics Website
[edit] References
- ^ Fenton Art Glass. Glass Museum.
- ^ PHIL BERRY. A Dazzling History:Fenton Art Glass. Fenton art glass.
- ^ Pamela Wiggins. Carnival Glass Still Popular with Collectors. about.com.
- ^ Michael and Lori Palmer. The Wrisley Story, The early history of Fenton Hobnail.. fentonfan.com.
- ^ Our History (HTML). Retrieved on 2007-12-27.
- ^ "Fenton Art Glass Says It's Closing" (HTML). Retrieved on 2007-12-27. (English)
- ^ "Fenton Art Glass Plans To Continue Glass Production" (HTML). Retrieved on 2007-12-27. (English)
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