Blenko Glass Blog - Mid Century Modern Glass Symposium in Weston September 27-30

Readers: If you enjoy American Glass - mid century glass - mark this date in your calendar. Dean Six ( author of many books about WV and American Glass) along with other experts in the field will be on hand. The Museum of American Glass located in Weston, WVa has one of the best collections of American Glass, also a large library devoted to American Glass. If you haven't been to Weston - make this your initial trip - - - if you know about MAG - you'll want to attend. If you can't attend - go on line and become a member of MAG - the publication is more than worth the cost of admission.
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Rock Wilson - who is the BLENKO MAN - will be the auctioneer. Rock Wilson knows more about Blenko Glass than any other person. This West Virginia man has devoted his free time to

Glass. Unlike online & self proclaimed experts - Rick Wilson has the credentials and hands on experience. To be honest, I'd plan to attend solely for the purpose of meeting and listening to Dean Six and Rock Wilson. hjh

Note: Out of towners - phone MAG to ask about local lodging. We always stay in Morgantown and drive the 60+ miles - but I'm certain there are great hotel / motels in Weston.

Weston, WV – The Museum of American Glass (MAG) in Weston, West Virginia is sponsoring a “double barreled” event focusing on Mid-Century Modern American Glass the last weekend in September. The “barrel” for current glass collectors includes a symposium, discussions and display. The second “barrel” for the public includes an auction, glass identification and a show and sale.

The term Mid-Century Modern was used to describe furniture styles as early as the mid-1950’s and is now recognized by scholars and museums world-wide as a significant design movement. Yet in glass collecting circles, the glass design knowledge base has been stalled in the “depression era” that became wildly popular in the mid-1960’s and early 1970’s. So time has come to move the glass knowledge base forward and build a wider appreciation for glass made in the 1945 to 1970 era. Hence the goal of this event is to network, share and work collaboratively with individuals and clubs to craft a movement that studies and chronicles the American made glass of the mid-century period.


Glass produced after World War II dramatically changed in style, use and design and was made by such companies as Blenko, Canton Casual, Fenton Mid-Century Modern, Morgantown, Smith and Viking. Beautiful one-of-a-kind signed designer glass was also made in the post-war period and will be considered in the week-end discussions.

The symposium, for registered attendees, begins Thursday evening September 27, 2012 with an open house at the museum. It continues on Friday with presentations and table exhibits which will compete for prizes. Registration for the two and a half day event including three meals is just $76 for MAG member and $84 for others.
The public is invited to the Friday evening auction to which symposium participants may consign up to three pieces. The auctioneer, well known Blenko collector Rock Wilson, will provide an additional number of pieces to guarantee 100 lots of glass. MAG will retain 20% of all hammer prices with no other commissions.



The public is also invited to a show and sale on Saturday with free admission from 10am to 3pm with a charge of $5 for early admission from 8am to 10am. From 11am until noon there will be free glass identification with a written report, no appraisals, for up to four pieces of glass per person.


For further information or to register contact the museum at 304-269-5006 or at www.magwv.com.