| |
 Fenton
Art Glass to Commemorate 100th Anniversary
(Williamstown, WV). Fenton Art Glass, the largest manufacturer of
handmade color art glass in the United States, will mark its 100
anniversary in 2005. Special event planning to commemorate the
significant anniversary has already started. Anniversary events
will continue throughout 2005, including family signings,
collector events and a large celebration at the Fenton factory in
Williamstown, WV in August.
"When my grandfather and his brother started Fenton Art Glass at
the turn of the last century, it was their desire to enhance the
glass making industry," said George Fenton, President, Fenton Art
Glass. "That mission and dedication to quality workmanship has
carried through to the present day where we have multiple
generations working together to produce high quality decorative
glass in the tradition that my grandfather started."
Founded in 1905 as a glass decorating company, the company soon
discovered the benefits of producing glass itself without having
to depend on other glass manufacturers. In 1907, the company moved
into a new factory in Williamstown, where the company
headquarters, factory and gift shop are still located today.
A family business since Its inception, leadership for Fenton Art
Glass was passed to its third generation in 1986. Today, Fenton
family membersincluding 10 members of the second, third and
fourth generationswork together with 450 employees to create an
ever changing variety of handmade and hand painted glass. Fenton
products are available for sale in over 5000 retail shops across
the United States and in several foreign countries as well as on
the television shopping network QVC.
Throughout its history, Fenton has been a leader in the art glass
industry. Its "iridescent" glass, first marketed in 1907, is now
known as "Carnival" glass and a popular collectible today.
Focusing on quality and artistry, Fenton sculptors, designers and
artists work together to craft unique, meticulous designs often
requiring more than 15 glass craftsmen to produce just one piece.
Over the years, the company has evolved without compromising
quality or craftsmanship. Utilizing techniques developed with the
dawn of the glass making industry, Fenton glassmakers produce
products in the tradition of centuries past.
"We have always believed in maintaining the technique of hand made
glass," Fenton said. "It is a craft, an art form, that our
collectors and customers have come to expect for a century. Being
handmade allows us to make special colors, shapes, and treatments
that cannot be made by machine."
Throughout the years, the company has grown to offer more
opportunities for novice and aficionado glass collectors alike.
The Fenton Factory tour is ranked as one of the top ten factory
tours by USA Today. For more details about the Fenton Art Glass
Company's 100th anniversary, go to
www.fentonartglass.com
|
Latest
News
Fenton
Factory Tours