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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, February 03, 2009

King Family's Blenko

When there is NEW info about Blenko we'll break into the Blogger cycle to update you. Hillary,

A few pieces of Blenko from our home.

This photo shows 2 Blenko vases in the Muranese sommerso style (by Joel Myers) that were a special limited production in the mid 1960's. The vase on the left was signed by Joel Myers. The vase on the right, as the story goes, was a gift from Blenko to then WV Governor Arch Moore. When Gov. Moore left office he did not take the vase with him. A WV State Trooper returned the vase to Blenko where Red Powers came into possession of it. We got the vase from Red. It is signed by William Blenko. The decanter is, of course, a Blenko Gump's decanter also from the mid 1960's. The color is turquoise. This is our starter to a complete set (someday).
I hope you enjoy the photograph.

Tim & Linda King
Kissin Kate's Antiques LLC
Note: Mr. and Mrs. King, The story you have is I believe a true one. I adore these vases, my parents saw them at Ms. Phyliss' and we spoke with both Mr. Myers and Gov Moore's family about the vases, they were presented to Gov Moore who thought they were beautiful. Many items were presented to the Gov over the time he was in office, they didnt know what happen to the items after. Its certainly possible they were returned to Blenko. They are lovely, they were once in the Governor's office and your family will take great care of them of this I'm certain.
Thank you for sharing!

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

SARAH ADELIA BALL, 87, of Milton, W.Va., widow of B. Frederick Ball, died in Florida. She was a retired educator. Memorial service will be 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Milton Methodist Church; burial at White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Barboursville, W.Va. Visitation from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the church. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Heck Funeral Home, Milton, is assisting the family. www.heckfuneralhome.com.

Anonymous said...

ENOUGH ALREADY
YOU SHOULD EITHER STOP THE BLOG ALTOGETHER
OR JUST TALK ABOUT THE CLOSURE
STOP WITH THIS HISTORY AND WHAT IS NEW WITH BLENKO
SILLY SILLY SILLY GIRL
MOUNTAIN RITA

bridgett said...

I am the bottom line, King Family what is the value of glass like this?
Priceless yes, but what did you pay?
I want it all.
Did you folks down South read about Caterpillar lay offs 2,100 people including Phane who writes often for this blog was laid off.
Sad new for these 2,100 people much like Blenko workers.

Anonymous said...

Is Blenko Gallery is the Blenko Visitors Center?

Anonymous said...

Hilary
I have the decanter in the middle represented in 3 colors, setting on top my dining roomwindow seat, we did have 6 or 7 they were chipped and tossed as years go by.
Margie Hale

DrAnnu said...

Just to report I did letters to the Senators and Govenors Offices
and a letter to the Editor of 5 West Virginia New papers per instructions from the
theblenkoproject@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Exceptional quality, most beautiful form and the grouping is totaly awesome beyong words.

Heart of Glass said...

Blenko Gallery isn't gift shop of Blenko Glass but is owned by Terri the webmaster at Blenko Glass.
Great on line shop.
hjh

Heart of Glass said...

Mountain Rita
We are remaining positive. We are publishing any facts about closure that Katie from Blenko provides other wise no closure
talk from this blog.
hjh

Anonymous said...

Yes the glass industry as a whole has and will continue to suffer from imports and cheap knock-offs of our designs. The one thing they cannot copy is the quality. Go to pier one and look at their water bottle it looks like Blenko pick it up and it feels like your fingers will go through the sides.

Blenko has a few things going for it that some other factories did not have. I am not saying this will save them but it does give them a fighting chance. They have the decorative ware division with a new design team working hard on new designs for the future, they have the visitor center which easily brings in thousands of people each year and they have their Antique division which makes stained glass both dalles de verre and antique sheet glass, plus they do all kinds of archictectural castings. They can make about anything if given the chance. This state does not realize the talent they available in Blenko Glass. When Blenko Glass closes West Virginia will Lose a great institution of art and a factory of excellence.
Why are we standing idle while this happens?
The Chinese are taking over, silently and we are allowing them to destroy one industry at a time.

WV Janis said...

The beauty of this glass is amazing and the symmetry in the photograph showcases its form!

WV Janis

Heart of Glass said...

Thank you for writing to the Senators and Officials.
Keep up the writing and phoning.
If Blenko suggest anything else I'll send emails immediately.
HJH

Anonymous said...

This is my area, and I fail to find glass of this quality.