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Heart of Glass - Blenko Glass

Blenko Glass is a West Virginia treasure that spans generations. Nothing symbolizes the state of West Virginia better or more beautifully than Blenko Glass. We will discuss current and former craftsmen and designers and how important it is that Blenko and West Virginia glass be appreciated and valued by the younger generation.

Thursday, September 04, 2008

Festival of Glass - More Photos.

Rick P. of Huntington an avid Blenko Collector
and photo of the Rialto Glass and Regal that he offered for sale.


Photo of Jessie Carpenter , this was my first time meeting Jessie Carpenter -I've wanted to add him to the http://www.blenkoproject.org/ page for a long time. He agreed and also agreed to put me in touch with his very successful Lawyer Son who resides in Columbus Ohio and has 100's of items made by Jessie while he was at BLENKO.
This photo is one of Blenko Glass horns, and an item that was I think 'end of day' if I'm wrong correct me please - mermaid. These items are for sale. The vintage Glass Sale brought out 9 vendors, all had very high quality vintage Blenko.




PHOTOS from a Milton friend - of EVERETTE ' Shorty ' Finley who lives in Milton, retired from Blenko and now his grandson or great grandson works at BLENKO GLASS. Blenko is a 'family owned' business and most everyone who works at Blenko has relatives who
are retired BLENKO GLASS employees. A family owned business supporting and supported by the people of Milton, WVa.








'Radio' Vincent_____ retired Blenko finisher with a paper weight he is making. Randy Rider and Les Womack two of Blenko's finest. NEXT YEAR or any time you get the change to watch BLENKO CRAFTSMEN work - immediately take the opportunity. Seeing glass being made the old fashion way is a combination of pleasure and excitement you won't forget.




Festival of Glass - John H. Blowing Glass. Shorty Finley (80+ retired Blenko glass blower returned again to Blenko for Collectors
group get together. Did I mention you should join this group?


Larry of Texas - Blew this beautiful tall red vase. The mold he used is pictured beside the vase.



Do you have PHOTOS of BLENKO GLASS, photos of the Glass Festival? Photos of your own collection of BLENKO?
Photos of West Virginia Glass - please share with the "Heart of Glass" Blog. Many readers have never seen Vintage Blenko - recently I discovered about 25% of our readers have never been to Milton -rough estimate based on letters and comments.
IF you haven't been to visit BLENKO GLASS in Milton, W.Va.
plan a road trip - include the Museum of American Glass in Weston, WV. Email me at theblenkoproject@aol.com and I'll send you a list of all the places to visit on your trip to WILD WONDERFUL WEST VIRGINIA.


11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hilly
Do you belong to this group?
I'd be pleased to join any group you are a part of.
Sol
I have been to three 'Mountain'
functions this last year didn't see you.

susan said...

Great photos.
Keep them coming.

bridgett said...

??????????
Where does one find the items in the photos?
Also I heard from a fellow blogger that at the Festival there was no PA system so if one was observing the blower, unless you knew them, one wouldn't know they were watching your famous Les Womack, or Horty Finley, or Randy Roder.
Fix this problem before I come please.

DrAnnu said...

More photos of people and glass
and places and things.
We return frequently to view the photos, and to learn about your state and the glass.

Heart of Glass said...

Solomon
I am a college student, proverty is my middle name.
When I have funds I will join the groups I support, this day will come soon.
You should join BCS now and suggestion your Mom and staff also join.
I'll ask the New President to do a post about the club and the advantages membership offers. I am not a great spokes person - I'm just a cheerleader for the group and Blenko. Karin Alonzo will provide you with information about BCS, then you'll want to join.
RE: MOUNTAIN - as you know, publicity isn't something members seek, so lets stop the public announcements OK.
hjh

Heart of Glass said...

Bridgett
Vintage Blenko can be 'found' on most any street corner and EBAY.
My suggestion would be to buy from a Collector, or someone who has knowledge of Blenko and WV Glass. If you have a lot of money to spend I always suggest you check out Damon Crain Blenko Glass Museum.
My suggestions always is go to the Factory, buy only what you LOVE, get it signed and AGE it yourself.
good luck, need other info let me know.
HJH
RE: PA system at blenko - good suggetion. Guess we sometimes forget that not everyone 'knows everyone' - our state and community is small.

Anonymous said...

Hilary
Who makes the mold? Is this person or company paid a lot of money? Why use wooden instead of steel or metal molds?
Margie Hale

Anonymous said...

Radios name is Vincent Vauwart.
T. Ellis

Heart of Glass said...

Margie
I wrote to Rodney and Christy and also a BLENKO Expert
we should get an answer soon.
HJH

Heart of Glass said...

Blenko uses both types. The wood molds are carved by Daniel Chapman

Tammie Kosla from chicago had the answer for you Margie.

Anonymous said...

Rick had a gorgeous selection of Blenko, and I understand he has 2 MORE buildings of Blenko! I would have loved a piece of the Regal, which I had not seen in person before, but nothing left in my budget after my new glass purchases. A very nice person to talk to, as well. Just like all the collectors I've met.
Car Girl