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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.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Designer question - can you help?

First of all, we love your website…Very Informative!
My wife and I have a Blenko art piece that we purchased in 2000 at the Visitors‘ Center that we had signed and dated by Richard, his dad William H. Jr. and Initialed ”CH” by the designer on a special signing day that was held for specific art pieces.
We were living in Huntington during that period and are presently living in California.
I have attached a couple of photos of the art.
It is numbered #290.
We forgot the name of the designer and noticed that he is not mentioned in your Blenko Project site.
I was just wondering who this designer “CH” was and how many of these pieces were made and numbered if you could help.
I appreciate ANY information.

Thank You and Regards,
Ralph and Andrea Auletta


http://www.AulettaPhotography.com

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

"CH" usually refers to Charlie Harshbarger(spelling?) I have one of his signed pieces as well and of all things the dogs ate the paper from Blenko that showed the providence for the piece. I have been told that Charlie made and signed one piece a day. I am sure someone may have better information than I am relating for you here. I will try to photograph it at a future date for you and the blog readers. It is a Turquoise footed crystal bowl.

Anonymous said...

One a day????????????

Anonymous said...

Charlie is a Blenko employee who makes the mobiles and does a lot of crafts with glass pieces.
I doubt he would call himself a designer.
Blenko employees are all talented but with Osburns departure no in house designer.
Bayliss comes when there is money to pay him, or / and he has the time.
Otherwise no designer at Blenko.
Repeats old molds being used.

Blenko Employee who knows.

Ralph Auletta said...

Well it looks like you are right about the name. Charlie Harshbarger (yes it is the right spelling)has verified the piece through Hillary. Now we just need to see what the #290 means. Charlie says he only made 10 of these art pieces.