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.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

2008 WV Birthday Piece


Here we have a candid of the 2009 Birthday Piece in all of its glory. We missed seeing the Bayliss team at this year's event. They are so personable and so fun to talk glass with. The 2009 piece, the first decanter in the 29-year tradition is even more meaningful when we read what the designer wrote about it, "Inspired by the state's lakes and rivers, this West Virginia birthday piece suggests a rising moon over rippling water. Its strong, confident form boldly announces its presence. This Special Edition seabreeze decanter has a generous crystal stopper hovering over the wide outstretched rim. Aqua Luna has contemporary proportions, yet is also classical in feeling. Above all, it is clearly Blenko." WV Janis
Do you have photos of the June 20th event?
Do you have photos of BLENKO or WV Glass
you want to share?
I begin my GRP at OSU on Monday - my free time will be limited - - so - - I'm going to need lots of help from my glass friends this year. Your photos, stories, and Blenko inspired post are most welcome. Please send to theblenkoproject@aol.com Thank you for reading and commenting, and of course for BUYING BLENKO GLASS.

8 comments:

WV Janis said...

Dear Bayliss team:

Something about the 2009 Birthday piece reminds me of the Elizabethan era. I can just see Queen Elizabeth's head as that crystal stopper and her famed collar as the lip of the decanter. The decanter's neck= the bodice; finally, the body of the decanter is her flared dress.

For continuity of pieces, perhaps next year, the Bayliss team can design a masculine, Jacobean era looking decanter to stand beside Queen Elizabeth 2009 as the 2010 BLENKO birthday piece. To the drawing board!

WV Janis said...

CARING FOR DECANTERS

Decanters are lovely, but tricky to care for. Avoid getting them wet inside. Keep them away from windows. If you ever see condensation inside, take the stopper off immediately! Humid environments like Florida can be hard on decanters. If moisture gets trapped inside, it can put a permanent haze or little dots on the interior wall. This situation is known as sick glass.

When my decanters collect moisture, I do the following. 1) Place decanter gently on its side on top of a thick bath towel, 2) find a dryer sheet (like Bounce) that has been used once to get some of the film off, 3) twist the dryer sheet lengthwise several times, 4) stick it down in the neck of the decanter as far as I can yet still having the end of the dryer sheet touching the towel, 5) leave overnight. This process seems to wick out the moisture. If you know of a better way, let us know.

By definition, decanters are intended for liquid. However, if you want to keep your valuable BLENKO Birthday 2009 decanter in pristine condition, keep it dry inside. Good luck!

WV Janis

Anonymous said...

WVJanis
Welcome back, I read daily, but do not often comment.
Margie Hale

Anonymous said...

http://theintelligencer.net/page/content.detail/id/525268.html?nav=505Hilary our paper did not run the story until day after My hat is off to Mr Walter Blenko for making the contriubition to WVU.
Next year we will join you in the line.
Sam K.

Anonymous said...

West Virginia Janis
I have sorely missed your photos and comments.
Ted

Anonymous said...

bone609@gmail.com
anyone with any of the West Virginia Birthday Vases they want to see please email me photo, description and price.
Thank you.

lewisphddvm said...

Oh Janis you do have "a way" with words and photos. Beautiful words and photos.

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