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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.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Serenity 'Glass with Class'

All collectors are looking for that special shop or shopkeeper - Avid Blenko COllECTOR and Vice President of the Blenko Collectors Society - Larry Bartholf is 'That Shopkeeper' for many Blenko Collectors - Larry was kind enough to provide us with info and photos of the Glass Shop he owns in Texas.
Note: He does phone and email orders.
Serenity ‘Glass with Class’ the Crown Jewel of Historic Downtown Carrollton TXAnd home to “Wags von Floppy Puppy” and "Spats Houdini Damnit"Larry Bartholf didn’t grow up aspiring to be dealer in American elegant handmade glassware – things just sort of worked out that way.“We were sorting through some things left behind by my mother-in-law after she passed away, and found some antiques, including glassware.” “She had a wonderful collection that we decided we would try to grow.”Unfortunately some of our early experiences were not favorable, as Carol and I encountered some less-than-scrupulous dealers who preyed on our lack of knowledge about glassware.“We didn’t know what we were doing”. “But we kept going and eventually grew from a few pieces in a shared storefront to now having many thousands of dollars in glass inventory spanning more than one hundred years of production, by many different companies, several no longer in business.Serenity ‘Glass with Class’ carries several exclusive brands including Blenko Art Glass, Fenton Art Glass, Franz Collection fine Porcelain at their location at 1013 S. Broadway in Historic Downtown Carrollton TX.Serenity ‘Glass with Class’ also has a wide array of vintage Handcrafted American glassware by Fostoria, Tiffin, Cambridge, and other historic American glass companies.“We’ve established relationships with some of the best Glass artists and dealers from around the country.” “As a result we have a wide variety of merchandise from crystal nail files to fine porcelain tea sets from studio art glass pieces to dramatic accent pieces for the most formal table settings. All of this along side elegant handmade glassware from the 1880’s to present. Much of this inventory is handcrafted in America, with many items coming from companies that no longer exist.“That’s because glassmaking is a dying art.” “For numerous reasons- one is its very labor intensive. It is hot, dirty, hard labor. Your working in front of a furnace that’s got two thousand + degree molten glass in it which you are moving from place to place with metal pipes.” “Couple this with the rising cost of natural gas and raw materials makes for a very costly operation.”“The finished product can be exquisite, however, and all the more valuable for those who appreciate quality workmanship.” “It’s art.” Very much so, in the sense that when you look at the glassware that’s available today on the open market, from China or Europe, it is probably a product that ‘s never been touched by human from the time the raw materials are received at the factory until the final inspection.”Work done exclusively by machines takes away from the products crafted feel, there is no comparison in the overall quality.Prices range from less than $5 for glass “Faith Stones” to upwards of $500 for some of the stores more dramatic collectible handcrafted vases. Larry invites everyone to stop by, pet “Wags” and "Spats" learn about American handcrafted glassware, and enjoy the vibrant colors and exquisite art forms during normal business hours or to call 214-724-5081. We will research and identify your vintage American handcrafted glassware free of charge, just bring in a piece and we will do the rest.Happy Glass hunting and collecting to all!!!!!Serenity 'Glass with Class'1013 S BroadwayCarrollton TX 75006Website:
http://serenityantiques.com/Blog: americanglass.blogspot.comEmail: larry@serenityantiques.com

Phone: (214) 724 5081



#1 Blenko Chalice 22" X12" - 2007
#2 Fostoria Tobacco Jar and Ewer - 1890's
#3 Hawkes Cheese Server - 1880's
#4 Blenko 'Wild Rose" - 1944
#5 Osburn 'Black Cat' - 2008
#7 Fostoria American Hurricane with Chimney -1940's 1950's
#8 Fostoria American Bell candle (marked sample) - 1936 - 1958
Can you identify the photos?







12 comments:

lewisdvmphd said...

Question for Larry
what is the current price for each item.
Terrific awesome website. I am in Texas often, Carolltown is near Dallas, I'm working with a research team member from Dallas.
Small world.
Are there any blenko collectors in south carolina?

lewisdvmphd said...

Love the hot pink art deco paint on the building. Could be South Beach.

bridgett said...

Catching up after being out of country for a while.
May I say, your post are consistently informative and interesting.
What happen to the week of
Karma?

mismgr said...

Lewisdvmphd Thanks for the query. Prices are as follows;
Hawkes Cheese server $325.00 (shows some wear)
Fostoria Bell candle (sample) $150.00
Fostoria Hurricane w/chimney $325.00
Fostoria Tobacco Jar $125.00
Fostoria Ewer $100.00
Blenko Wild Rose $50.00
Blenko Chalice $3500.00
Osburn Black Cat $90.00
The Next time you are in Dallas look me up and come by the store. I try to keep the unusual around to look at. We are a pet friendly shop. (see blog americanglass.blogspot.com)The fun color is actually Jekyll Club Cherokee Rust. But I like the Hot pink art deco better. This building was originally the Broadway Church of Christ. makes for interesting history

sweetdoc said...

Larry
last year my neigbor who is a part time antique dealer made more $$ than I did
and she had more fun.
When I retire I plan to join you
guys in this way of life.

sweetdoc said...

until then I'll be the smuck who pays the 2500 for that blenko challis.

mismgr said...

Sweetdoc; I think I need lessons from your neighbor. I just barely make enough to keep the doors open. I don't even get a salary, but I sure don't want to go back to th 24 X 7 corporate world. As for being a smuck for paying 2500 for a chalice, look at it as an investment. A one of a kind piece of original art, made inn America, by American Artists. Also it could be an attraction piece when you do open your own store. Last of all think of the satisfaction of being able to enjoy the beauty any time you want. larry from TX larry@serenityantiques.com

Anonymous said...

I know the fostoria
as I have it
Margie Hale

Anonymous said...

I get down south at least once a year for a womens retreat
Larry I plan to visit your shop in March. I will phone before I come I will bring a group
not everyone collects glass, but we all are over 50 and we all collect pretty things.
Mountain Rita

mismgr said...

Mountain Rita and Margie That is great to hear. Margie if you need any replacement pieces let me know. I have contacts for vintage glassware all over the country. Rita let me know when and we will make sure you and all of your friends are appropriately welcomed. We have shops of all kinds in the Historic Shopping district. Visit my blog americanglass.blogspot.com and my website serenityantiques.com. Larry from TX

Anonymous said...

hilary is this an on line shop or an ebay store I am confused?
Sissy Wilson

mismgr said...

Sissy; This blog is neither an online shop or E Bay. Hillary is gracious enough to profile the shops of some of the people she knows who sell Blenko Glass. I happen to be one of those fortunate persons. I supplied several photos and was requested by another blogger to supply prices. Sorry for your confusion. Larry from TX