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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.

Tuesday, January 04, 2011

John Nickerson - Blenko Glass Designer

www.nickersonglass.com ( Nickerson's web pages)

Hillary

Call me strange, but I am more attracted to the functional designs of John Nickerson from Blenko.

Anderson and Nickerson both in my humble opinion did functional glass. The form is good, the colors are good. Nothing fancy but all timeless.

Do you know if Blenko does reproductions of Anderson and Nickerson glass?

Carter Z.

Carter Z.

Many Anderson and Nickerson designs remain in the Blenko Glass catalog and are being made.

My suggestion is you bring your catalogs, or favorite photos of Nickerson and Anderson glass designs, then visit Blenko and the antique shops in Milton, and the South Charleston Antique Malls, after this drive up to Charleston, WV and shop Purple Moon ( located in downtown Charleston).

Blenko Glass may have some of the items you desire in the VC (gift shop).

Thank you for your excellent question, thank you for buying WV Glass.

HJH

photo: John Nickerson - Taken at a Blenko Collectors meeting several years ago.

Nickerson continues to work as an artist of glass and ceramics. For information, photos, and how to purchase his current works check out www.nickersonglass.com .
Problems ? email theblenkoproject@aol.com

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

John Nickerson's 'Charisma' series, swirl of Tangerine and colourless glass is I believe, the best of his work, which is hard to obtain and expensive. My goal is to acquire all of them in the years to come. Anyone know where I can find all of them? B, you would love the series.

PB

Anonymous said...

We bought several Nickerson pieces at a gallery in Asheville 2 summers ago.
Did not know of the Blenko connection.
Shiv

Anonymous said...

I ALSO LOVE JOHN AND JANE
MET THEM AT THE BLENKO SHIN DIG A COUPLE YEARS AGO
GOT MY PIC TAKEN WITH JOHN AND HE SIGNED SEVERAL PIECES OF EBAY GLASS FOR ME
NICE NICE FOLKS.
JANE WAS THE CFO AT BLENKO BEFORE MARRYING JOHN WE WERE TOLD.
MOUNTAIN RITA

Anonymous said...

BTW
John, Bill Blenko, Winslow (before death), Joel now and Wayne are all examples of
the art never allowing the artist to grow old.
Beautiful men, creative men, we love them all.
E.L.

Anonymous said...

I read JN is doing pottery. Anyone have pics of his work to share?

Anonymous said...

Nickerson was one of the best designers to work with. In he factory he made few demands and listened to our suggestions.
L.

WV Janis said...

I have a clear and tangerine swirl piece that is NOT Charisma glass. Fortunately, it was not sold as that. I picked the piece up for a couple of dollars. Dean Six confirmed that it was not a Nickerson piece. Buy what you like and know what you buy!

Happy New Year All!

WV Janis

Anonymous said...

Nickerson is a neglected Blenko designer. In time he will be moved into the elite 4
former Blenko designers.
Adams, Nickerson, Husted, Myers
are in my humble world the best of Blenko.

Anonymous said...

you can't possibly know what you are talking about; show me one nickerson or anderson design that is still in the current line!
Every time they try to reissue anything it looks awful. They don't have the skill and even if they did, whenever the original designer does not supervise the item ends up looking noticeably different.

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know what the current line is?
Is there a 2010 catalog?
I think they make what they choose to make or re make the molds at will.
I see no consistency to any 'line'
when we were there in August I did see Nickerson's charisma bottles with the swirls and several other items from nickerson.
Don't know much about Anderson did he design the water bottle?
Its old he's old
Jeff

Anonymous said...

HILLARY
THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS COME FROM FORMER WORKERS OR OTHER GLASS FACTORY OWNERS / WORKERS
DONT STOP THE COMMENTS DUE TO THIS
JUST STOP THEM.
BLENKO DOES A GOOD JOB WITH THE MEN THEY HAVE, THE NUMBER IS VERY SMALL NOW.
BUY BLENKO AND STOP COMPLAINING ABOUT WHAT ISN'T.
MOUNTAIN RITA

Anonymous said...

MOUNTAIN RITA IS RIGHT!PLEASE KEEP POSTING MISINFORMATION WITHOUT DOING ANY RESEARCH TO BACK UP WHAT YOU ARE SAYING OR KNOWING WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT! THESE WHINERS WHO WANT ACCURACY SHOULD JUST MOVE OUT OF WV BECAUSE THEY ARE MEAN! US HILLBILLY BLENKO HOARDERS DON'T NEED FACTS HERE, WE'LL BELIEVE ANYTHING ANYONE TELLS US.

Anonymous said...

Phani
I have a charisma
vase I'll send Glassdoc a photo
that I'd be willing to sell
for $100.
S. Z. B.

Anonymous said...

Tammy Kosla told me 4 years ago in Milton that many of the Anderson designs are still being made, as he did classic work. She also said Blenko uses the molds long after the designer is gone, as Blenko owns the design.
Are you anonymous saying the only glass blenko is now making is either designed inhouse or by bayliss?
George H.

Anonymous said...

Dear S.Z.B,

Please do send the picture. I cant believe you are parting with Charisma vase; but none-the-less I would love to acquire one. B will be excited.

PB

P.S. How did you know it was a Phani?