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, March 03, 2009

Blenko Glass Collection (part 1) Texas

Hi Hillary,
I know you've been asking for images, but with my and Karin schedules it's been tough. I photographed one of the 17 shelving units we have for our Blenko. This one is lit so the images look brighter. On shelf one we have our Blenko rare paper label pieces, our cobweb pieces, an Iowa Corn Bottle made by Blenko, one of three Blenko Madonna part of a retired employee collection Washington Cathedral pieces and the Winslow Anderson cocktail/ashtray glassShelf two I have three of my 384H handle water bottles, a Hank Adams Devil head vase, a Husted cat decanter and and an unusual Wild Rose vase.Shelf three has three Rialto pieces. one Raindrop piece and three Regal pieces.

Tim and Karin Alonzo



12 comments:

Anonymous said...

There must be a story behind the devil vase.
What is this all about?
Also is an available item?

Anonymous said...

Tim
How long have you collected?
Where do you usually buy?
Who are your favorite sellers?
Other tips?

Anonymous said...

Are you near the Specht? It seems all the dynamite glass is in Texas.

Tim said...

chitrakahn,

The story I heard was that the designer Hank Adams had thought that the design would be cool piece to put into the line. For whatever reason: religious concerns, aesthetics, etc. this design was not included in the 1994 line. Later the Blenko Museum in Seattle commissioned a run of 50 devil head vases for their 2001 opening. Sadly the antique mall it was in closed or something, but it looked very nice from the photos I've seen.
My wife and I began collecting in 2002 and have a collection of 1500 piece in our loft. As for where we buy, we've been lucky and found Blenko everywhere we've looked: antique stores, antique shows, eBay, but we have more fun shopping at flea markets. We have several dealers who buy for us or offer us their newest finds first. We are in Dallas. Bruce and Debbie Specht live about an hour away. They have visited our home and we went to their Blenko Exhibition at the Kemp Center. We have a very well organized collectors group in Texas. The largest collection of Blenko glass is located in Texas. It is a sight to see.

Dr.BOB said...

Texas Collectors
May I say we enjoy your photographs.
Thank you all.

Anonymous said...

Hilary
do you know what plans the new owners have for the blenko property?
let us know if there is a sale, I am interested in the stain glass windows (one) small for my daughter.
Margie Hale

Anonymous said...

At the Huntington Museum I heard of a Texas doctor collector does he live near you all and belong to your club?
Have we seen his glass?
Sue M.

sweetdoc said...

Tim do you think we might see the other 16 shelfs?
Otherwise we may have to drive over to Texas and knock on your door.
Some people just have great eyes and you and your wife must have 4 good eyes.
Appreciate your sharing

Tim said...

Sue M.
Yes the Dr's home houses the largest collection Blenko that I am aware of. I've had the privilege to be invited to his home twice. It is a sight to behold. I am working toward getting every shelf photographed, unfortunately it is a lot of work.

-Tim

Dr.BOB said...

Tim
Would it be possible to see a large photo of the devil?
Hilary would you post this?

Tim said...

If you check out the following eBay auction you can see one of these guys for auction. The eBay item number is: 220369836418, and it ends in 6 hours or so.

Anonymous said...

I want a devil too, if the seller will sell I'll let you know Dr Bob.
Sol