Title

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.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

The Remarkable WInn Anderson - Sailor, Designer, Milton Resident





















Winslow Anderson - The obit read:
Artist, designer, and sailor, Winslow Anderson, 90, died Monday, December 10, 2007 at his home. The son of the late Paula and George Anderson, he was born May 17, 1917 in Plymouth, Mass. In his youth he wanted to design swift boats, but instead he was recruited into the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, where, in 1947, he graduated magna cum laude with Departmental Honors in Industrial ceramic Design. During WWII he served in the United States Army in Pawling, NY as a topographical draughtsman. While trained as a ceramist, upon graduation Mr. Anderson was hired as the first full-time designer at Blenko Glass, Milton, West Virginia. During his six year tenure, 1947-1953, he was instrumental in creating new, modern functional designs in vibrant colors, which greatly enhanced Blenko’s reputation. He often told friends how the glass itself was the best designer: he stated, “The glass did things in the process of being made; it revealed new ideas to me.” The Museum of Modern Art presented Anderson with a “Good Design Award” for his bent neck decanter, which acknowledged his elegant, simplified designs in 1950. In 1953 he went to work for the Lenox China and Crystal Company in Trenton, New Jersey as both designer and the design director. He remained there until his retirement in 1980, when he chose to move back to West Virginia. Upon retirement Winn sailed his boat, the Ti Fi, painted and traveled the world. He will be remembered by his friends as a witty storyteller, a collector with a most discerning eye and as a visionary designer. Donations in his memory can be made to either the Huntington Museum of Art or the Putnam County Animal Shelter.
Winslow saw art and beauty in the world around him - he is often remembered for his keen sense of humor. The photo above shows 'little trinkets' Winslow made from found objects during his travels. All are signed on the back and dated along with the place and he wrote short phrases 'memories' on each. Perhaps to capture a bit the of marvelous fun and mystery from each trip . hjh

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Very interesting.
Will these be on display?
Where?
Margie Hale

bridgett said...

Artist are unique breed to see owl in the marks on a tree? Only after he labeled did I see the owl.
Science vs art!
No artist eye here.
P probably saw the Owl.
Did you P?

sweetdoc said...

Doc Hamburg
Where do you find these items?
I keep returning as I know if I don't I will surely miss something!

Phani said...

I see all kinds of stuff; owls, alien eyes...

Are you talking to me Bridgett?

Anonymous said...

Very nice and just his birthday says something. From the old world not this modern day where one. He was raised to find the beauty. Owl's are very beautiful and very interesting to watch. Most only get to see the small barn owls, I have seen the BIG owls who watch your every move. Good hunters. Also, like alot of birds, the male waits on his lady and as far as I know they only have one mate at a time. It is just something funny to happen upon. Owls have very unique habits. One of God's creatures.
That owl could of been his start, on being who he was as a man. Roxie

Brenda Stevens said...

Interesting article. I have a large piece of art glass signed "Anderson" on the bottom. I was trying to determine if it was possibly from him. Any help would be appreciated.
williamrexstevens@yahoo.com

Brenda Stevens said...

Interesting article. I have a large piece of art glass signed "Anderson" on the bottom. I was trying to determine if it was possibly from him. Any help would be appreciated.
williamrexstevens@yahoo.com