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.

Monday, March 30, 2009

A Blenko Story


The West Virginia Museum of Glass in Weston and Mr. Bill Blenko have the only Fritz Dreisbach pieces I've ever seen. His Blenko creations were very beautiful. If you have a Friz piece of knowledge of one share the story please: This photo from the Weston, WV Museum of Glass



Hillary, i have another shortstory for you. When Fritz Dreisbach and his group were at Blenko learning to blow glass Harry made a statment that took me a long time to understand.He didnoot dislike these fellows,(he spent several evenings with them at the Dodrop In) He was not impressed with the one of a kind work they were learning to do. Just about every blower and finisher at Blenko could do this kind of work becouse of there years of experience gave them the feel of the glass. The glass we blow every day will be seen or purchased by thousands of people. How many people will ever see or purchas thease one of a kind peaces although they are beautiful and unique. A lot of the glass Artists that worked at Blenko or Indiana Glass (for Harry) have gone on to produce beautiful handcraft glassware of there own just as Harry prodicted.Charly Gibson Dave Osburn, Dave Fetty,Shorty Findly, Jim Davis, Bill Knight, Lassie Tempelton, Monte Dunlavy, and Joe Rice who worked for Harry, now works out of the Joe St Clair building in Indiana. I am sure ther are more these are just the names I can remember. Thanks Larry T.
Note: Larry Thompson is the son of Harry Thompson glass artist /craftsman former Blenko craftsman.
The Heart of Glass welcomes your photos and your WV or Blenko Glass stories and photos, please email these to : theblenkoproject@aol.com

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

www.allaboutglass.org/
THIS IS THE LINK FOR WV MUSEUM OF GLASS
I JOINED LAST YEAR OR THE YEAR BEFORE WHEN YOU WROTE ABOUT THE GROUP AND HOW INEXPENSIVE MEMBERSHIP IS.
DO THIS AGAIN FOR THE NEW PEOPLE. ONE GETS 4 OR 5 MAGAZINES AND OPPORTUNITY TO BUY BOOKS AT DISCOUNT THE MUSEUM IS GREAT THE LADY WHO KEEPS IT IS A DOLL.
MOUNTAIN RITA
WESTON IS ABOUT AN HOUR AND 1/2 FROM MILTON I-79 EXIT WESTON YOU ALL SHOULD GO

Anonymous said...

Someone ask about the Blenkko four and the website it was started by blenko collectors who sell on ebay to help others who sell on ebay. I use it all the time
Alice W.

Anonymous said...

The men mentioned in this story, are they living? What happen to them? The end of their stories?
Did they too move to Indiana?
Do you know what brought them to Blenko?

Donna said...

I'm in Florida and am having trouble ordering on the website: no shipping and handling is being included! What to do?

Heart of Glass said...

Donna
Did you click on the contact us link and submit this questions?
Regardless - webgoddess Terry occassionally checks out the blog when she reads this, I'm certain she'll respond with the proper answer.
Or Blenko will fix what needs to be fixed.
Blenko is a small family owned factory located in rural West Virginia. The nicest thing about Blenko is just this - its small the quality of the product and the customer service are excellent.
HJH

Anonymous said...

MORE MORE MORE
MOUNTAIN RITA

CLOUD9SUNNFOX said...

Where can I find online help with finding the value of a Blenko pc.?
I have a #588 jonquil 1958 vase by husted. how do I find a replacement value so I can insure it ?
or just a present day value
merilrobinson@yahoo.com

CLOUD9SUNNFOX said...

How can I find a value or replacement value for early Blenko?
I have a jonquil, 1958 Husted #588 that I need a value for. I cant find an online reference/value.
any help appreciated.
pls contact merilrobinson@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

LARRY CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT MOTE DUVAY AND THESE OTHER MEN?
MOUNTAIN RITA