I grew up frequently visiting my dad at work in the state capitol building, but its been a while since I have roamed the marble halls looking for beauty (and adventure) so I was delighted when a friend sent in pictures of BLENKO currently on display at the Capitol.The tallest building in West Virginia, the State Capitol overlooks the Kanawha River in Charleston. The exterior of the classical-styled building is buff Indiana limestone. More than 700 train carloads of limestone and 4,640 tons of steel were used in its construction.
The magnificent 293- foot gold dome (the largest state capitol dome in the country!) which tops the structure is five feet higher than the dome of the U.S. Capitol. The entire dome is gilded in 14 karat gold leaf applied to the copper and lead roof in tiny 3 3/8 inch squares.
Two thirds of the interior of the Capitol is marble - Imperial Danby, Italian Travertine, Tennessee, and white Vermont. Consisting of 535,000 square feet of floor space, the building has 333 rooms in its main unit and two wings.
The State Capitol, and neighboring Cultural Center, are a must visit - even for the non glass enthusiast!
Guided tours conducted Monday-Friday from 9 am to 3:30 pm. Capitol open to public Monday-Saturday 9 am to 7 pm and Sundays 12 to 7 pm. 304/558-4839 or 1-800-CALL-WVA.
8 comments:
I like the green, the blue and ofcourse the ruby. I am sure Bridgett would get quick hands on this ruby!!
VERY NICE~ you should also say
the name of friends who help with the Blog, when we send photos say,
"my friend Sol, sent this photo"
Sol
I will take one of each. The green hat is real nice so I will have two of those please. Thanks for sharing your photos. Very nice of you Sol. I know I am not Hillary only I tahnk you anyway. Like to look at pretty glass. Roxie
SOLOMON
If the photos had been from YOU I would have said the photo were from a Friend of the Blogs - they were NOT from you, nice try!
HJH
Hilly
Its such an exciting time when you use my full name loudly. I try to send photos, my mail is not opened.
Sol
The new Commissoner of Culture and History is from near Milton did you know this?
Randall Reid Smith is a totally awesome devoted to the Arts and WV man.
Hilary you should research and focus on him for a column. Also he is handsome.
Under his leadership Fenton and Blenko have been promoted as art glass.
A great tribute to Gov Manchin's administration bringing such talented people back to WVa.
T. Simpkins
Puleeze...Randall Reid-Smith is a "washed out opera singer" from BARBOURSVILLE (Milton wants nothing to do with him) who cannot administer unless it is in a dictatorial way. According to Chas. Gazette Statehouse Reporter Phil Kabler, he is Gayle Manchin's shopping pal.
RR-S abruptly fired Dir. of Archives and History, Fred Armstrong, who had 30 yrs. service with the state and was one of the most devoted, honest, hardworking individuals at the Cultural Center, who, I might add, had an exemplary record.
Google RR-S and you'll find plenty!He knows nothing about the departments he administers, and employee morale is the worst it has ever been.
Here's a link to set you on your quest to find out what RR-S is really like! So, please, Hillary, no focus column on RR-S, unless you tell the full story! As an artist, I can tell you...he is no friend of the arts!
http://www.wsaz.com/news/headlines/11145516.html
Randall Reid Smith I met him at the Blenko West Virginia's Gift to the World, I drove down and 2 friends from Huntington and I went, small group as it was not well advertised.
Delightful ideas. I liked the Jackie lady also. Had a headache and left before the film. Thought Smith was energetic and seem to hold your state our state in high regard.
Margie Hale
Margie Smith
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