Don Lemley - Artist - Teacher - Loyal Employee - Supervisor- Mentor.
Don Lemley has spent most of his adult life working with and around Glass. Mr. Lemley currently supervises the Antique Glass division at Blenko. Antique is most every thing but 'tablewares' . . Blenko Glass developed the reputation of being the best producer of 'antique glass' in the 40s. Very little has changed. Blenko still makes glass the old fashion way. High quality - small batches - with skilled workers at every step of the process.
Don Lemley is described by his customers as " knowledgeable, approachable, a skilled artist, ' a go to kind of guy', one customer said " Mr. Lemley is never too busy to help with whatever my problems are. He knows the market, the product, and he is himself an artist." Don Lemley is a valued employee of Blenko Glass. As a college student involved with the Blenko Project we frequently phoned or emailed Mr. Lemley for pieces of information about Blenko products and people. We experienced first hand his 'kindness, his loyalty to Blenko, his knowledge and willingness to share the knowledge and love of glass.
We will continue each month to focus on Blenko employees - the following is a summary of Don Lemley.
1. Supervisor Antique division.
2. He has worked in the Shops (production)
Batching supervisor
Utility prep personnel supervisor (night watchmen)
Batchmaster (Batchmixing supervisor)
Antique dept. Warehouseman
3.He likes meeting people from all around the world and seeing their art and ideas.
4. He collects older pieces of cobalt. ( We will ask him for photos of some special pieces- and post later)
5.His grandfather worked for Blenko for 47 years, his father was here when he first returned form the army and many family and friends have been employed at Blenko.
6. When ask 'what other thoughts do you have about Blenko'. Mr. Lemley responded:The only other thoughts I have about Blenko are:
"I would like people to stop and realize what a treasure Blenko glass is being the last production handmade glass factory. It is a link to the past when workers had a skilled craft and were proud of their work which actually was and still is a true work of art. "
Photo: Laura Moul
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3 comments:
Lemly has always been helpful to me.
Shoop
Long ago the company I worked
with did business with Blenko.
I recall Lewis Powers and Boyd Meadows as being the anitque
glass reps - are they still around?
Did you interview these men for your project? If not, try to find them.
Charles West
Beckley, WV
In 1997, we went to Blenko factory,
both my husband and I feel certain your Mr. Lemley was the person we
spoke with.
Blenko Glass is uneven, and difficult for foiling, but this also makes for the most unique finish product.
Our experience at the factory was very positive. We recommend everyone make the trip.
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