The Fine Tradition of Glass Making in West Virginia

It's been several years since I last had the opportunity to visit some of the glass factories in WV, and it is quite the experience. If you are ever in the state, be sure to tour a couple of the plants if at all possible. Most of them of course also have gift shops offering their handmade works of art.

Blenko Glass Company
Blenko Glass Company, located in Milton WV, has been in business since 1893 and specializes in functional glassware, art glass, mouth blown sheet glass, and dalle de verre. (Dalle De Verre glass is a medium in which dalles are broken or cut into pieces and set in an epoxy base to adhere them in a decorative design. The dalles (hand-made glass tiles) are primarily used in architectural applications such as church walls.)










Other glass making operations to explore while in the state might include Ron Hinkle Glass and Davis Marbles, which has been in the business for over 50 years.



See this link for many more suggestions and general information on glass making in the Mountain State:
http://www.wvcommerce.org/travel/thingstodo/history/glass.aspx

Information on stained glass making in WV :
http://www.wonderfulwv.com/archives/sub.cfm?month=dec07&fea=2

I was going to highly recommend a visit of Fenton Art Glass Factory in this blog entry, but unfortunately it seems they have shut down for tours. "On July 6, 2011, Fenton Art Glass sent out a press release that they would "wind down production of its collectible and giftware glass products. According to WTAP TV, "The company cites financial challenges since its restructuring in 2007 and recent developments as factors in its decision to shut down its traditional glassmaking business. Fenton Art Glass says it's exploring the sales of one or more of its product lines." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fenton_Art_Glass_Company

Although not glass making, The Homer Laughlin China Company Factory, in Newell, WV - where they make Fiesta Dinnerware - is also worth a visit. The line was revived in 1985 by this company.