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, December 14, 2008

Another FISH STORY




. . . . This one didn't get away - BLENKO FISH http://www.blenkoglass.com/ are correct as a gift for any occassion and make a statement in most settings.



Blogger Reader said:
I have a lovely crystal fish, the 22 inch size, purchased at a local antique store for $25.00. It had a really horrible sand painting inside, which I dumped and filled it with cullet. I have it displayed on a side table with several of the amoeba bowls in colors of blue, aqua and crystal to simulate water. DW

SEND YOUR PHOTOS OF BLENKO, lamp, fish, ashtrays, unusual one of a kind to theblenkoproject@aol.com for sharing on the blog. hjh

16 comments:

WV Janis said...

On RECOGNIZING HILLARY

Indeed, Hillary deserves to be recognized by the State of West Virginia. As for her leaving, she may go elsewhere for an internship. However, I can't imagine her staying away forever. She is just so grounded in the state. I see her returning as a professor at the WVU dental school after appropriate grad school training somewhere.

Can someone post an address for the place we should write as well as EXACTLY what we should request for Hillary? I agree, if BLENKO and the collector's club do so too, it will strengthen the case.

WV Janis said...

MESSAGE TRAFFIC UP

Hillary, You have been adding so many pictures and posts lately. So many more people are commenting these days. We're even picking up a few new people. I'm loving all of the information being shared as well as the pictures of the glass.

I love the clear glass fish with cullet in its belly. You can even put seasonal items inside these fish (red and white marbles for Christmas).

WV Janis

Anonymous said...

spres@mail.wvnet.edu
President
Earl Ray Tomblin (D - Logan)
President
District 7

Capitol Address:
Room 227M, Building 1
State Capitol Complex
Charleston, WV 25305
I'll be doing a letter on Monday.
Sol

Anonymous said...

DW
Is all the glass pictured blenko?
Sol

WV Janis said...

FINDING BLENKO

Yes, clear fish "rescuer," it is amazing what you can find out there when you know your glass. Yesterday, I was walking through a tired little thrift shop in a small town, lamenting that I'd found nothing to buy and as I approached the last booth, I found a 555 pitcher for $4.50. For some reason, that awkward 1/2-handle fascinates me and I have always wanted one. I'm the proud new owner of a 555!

So easily pleased,
WV Janis

Anonymous said...

West virginia janis,
Photo of this please, why is it called a 555?
Sue Mullins

Anonymous said...

Hilary
Are you okay with us taking this action? The Herald should also be doing something toward this project.
They should promote or also write to the legislature.
I will make calls in January also.
Margie Hale

sweetdoc said...

Dr Bob
Does anyone know the Milton Bloggers? If we could activate this group I'll bet this recognition of Glasslady would happen quickly.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous: Yes, all the pieces are Blenko. The fish is a 971L. The saddle bowl on the top left is a 537, the next one is a 633, and the other two are 966 variants. You can find them all pictured in Pina's first book of catalogs 1962 - 1971. Thanks for asking! Diane Weber

WV Janis said...

PHOTOGRAPHING LAMPS

Susan: Thank you for your confidence in my photography. Yes, I'd love to spend a sunny afternoon photographing those BLENKO lamps-- especially if I could get them all in one room together. However, photographing lamps is as tricky as photographing decanters.

As you can see on the lamps recently, the right shade and finial make all the difference in the world. You can make the lamp look very contemporary, retro, or kitsch with the shade.

If I can get away over Christmas, I might try to go to the visitors' center and do a photo shoot. Who would be the best person to arrange this with?

WV Janis

Anonymous said...

D.Weber the photograph is great and your knowledge is a real asset to this blog, I hope you will return often and contribute.
S. Mullins

WV Janis said...

I agree with Sue!! So nice to have different people posting and sending in photos.

WV Janis

bridgett said...

Informative and beautiful what more could your readers ask for?
I'm betting this lady is an artist, this blog seems to attract lawyers, docs, engineers and artists.

Anonymous said...

As far as the hobby goes, I would say more crafter than artist - I make greeting cards and jewelry with rubber stamp images. Professionally I'm a crime & intel analyst for the LAPD. Of course I do have a 6143 bowl on my desk that holds my blank cards for all occasions. DW

Anonymous said...

DW
Exciting life LAPD. How long have you collected Blenko? What is the after market like in your area?
Sol

Anonymous said...

Sol: I've collected since about 2001, I think. For the So Cal market, it depends where you look. I range from Bakersfield to Ventura to Long Beach to Riverside. Some places know what they have, and have Pina's books, and are asking book price for items that are slightly dinged, have scratches, etc. Silly. The economy is helping, actually. If something has been in the shop for awhile, I find my offers at a lower price are entertained and accepted. I just found a 1957 architechtural vase, they wanted $169, I got it for $145. Probably could have gone lower, but for the condition, which is lovely, it's a good deal.