West Virginia Glass

Hilary,

This is for the man who wrote asking what to do in WV. The State of WV has a website and glass arts is a link I'm sending you the text for publication. Fenton is the only WV glass I collect, but must acknowledge the photos on your blog should come with a warning "glass may be more beautiful in photo....."

Alice H.

Our state’s many glass companies further illustrate the idea that beauty and utility need not be opposing ideals. From window glass and simple green glass bottles to the sophisticated art glass of today, more than 500 factories have manufactured glass in West Virginia throughout the state’s history. West Virginia was attractive to glass manufacturers because it offered great quantities of silica sand, stone and other chemical compounds necessary to produce glass and vast reserves of natural gas for fuel. The state’s natural reserves, paired with its network of rivers and railroads for the transportation of raw materials and finished wares, made West Virginia an ideal location to spawn the glass industry.

Fenton Art Glass, the largest handmade colored glass manufacturer in the United States, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2005. This family-owned Williamstown facility has a gift shop and museum, and offers free tours featuring glassblowers at work.

Note: Alice, Glass is difficult to photograph, if you like Blenko Glass in photos, visit the factory you'll fall in love with Blenko Glass.