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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.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Happy Birthday Richard Blenko!

Today is the birthday of Richard Blenko. Richard was the Face of BLENKO GLASS for most of his adult life, he was involved in the production of three Blenko inspired Film.

Alumni Profile – Rick Blenko, ’76 (WV Alpha and SC Delta)

Richard Blenko, SC Delta & WV Alpha 1976, retired as President of Blenko Glass Company (http://www.blenkoglass.com/) after 33 years working for the 115 year old family business. He was heavily involved in PBS public television with 300 appearances on PBS, four PBS documentaries, and had over 2800 broadcasts and raised over $28,000,000 for PBS. Richard founded Empire Films UK for doing documentaries in the USA and Great Britain. He continues to drive his GTD Gt 40 race car on UK circuits and is currently preparing a Trans Am Corvette for vintage racing.. Currently Richard is working on several documentaries. He also serves on the Huntington WV Convention bureau. Richard is just back from a week at the Savannah International Film Festival and spent two days in Columbia, seeing independent films. "I have a great love for USC and Columbia . South Carolina Educational television produced my second PBS documentary on Blenko and the city remains close to my heart."

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hilary
So very nice of you to do this. I admire Rick and the work he did at Blenko and the way he represented himself always a gentleman.
Sad the company had to downsize and he decided to leave, I am certain the remainder of his life will involve new adventures and once the economy improves some wise corporation will scoop him up he has a face and voice and presence that is always remembered. We always felt he should have considered some sort of public relations career long ago. The writing has long been on the wall for American Glass Arts. Thank you. I am certain now all will agree, but I applaud you for not turning your back on this Blenko. Happy Birthday to Rick Blenko of Milton and the World!
Sue M.

Dr.BOB said...

Nice sensitive sweet you Dr. Hilary.
Richard Blenko was a very good PR person for Blenko glass.
No one can take this from him.
Even the most harsh critic would have to agree the PBS series sparked interest in a dying glass company in a remote area of WVa.
How was your exam?
Whats with the multiple post per day, when you say you have no time or photos?

DrAnnu said...

My family contributes to PBS and has the PBS Blenko.
Photos of Richard and my Mom who was the chair are on wall in family room- my Mom is a RB fan. He is quiet handsome isn't he?
Definitely he should be honored on his birth day, also his father should be honored on his birthday Hillary you'll do this ?
A.

DrAnnu said...

My family contributes to PBS and has the PBS Blenko.
Photos of Richard and my Mom who was the chair are on wall in family room- my Mom is a RB fan. He is quiet handsome isn't he?
Definitely he should be honored on his birth day, also his father should be honored on his birthday Hillary you'll do this ?
A.

sweetdoc said...

While I didn't start collecting until I found this blog. He has signed most all of my glass at the place in Milton.
Mr. Walter signed the last time and he was very nice.
Someone said the glass workers might sign have you heard this?

sweetdoc said...

Rick is my age why do I look so much older?

Anonymous said...

Screw RB he screwed Blenko.

Anonymous said...

Sweetdoc I did my residency with you and remember your 35th birthday you are what 40 now? Rick is I read on this blog 59 you are not his age
he is just well preserved.
Charlie

Anonymous said...

Where does one buy this preservative? Or is it in the English genes?

sweetdoc said...

Charlie
you're right I am not in my 50s
RB is amazing in many ways LOL
Ageless face of Blenko!
The father and uncle are also great looking older men come to think of it.