The Fenton Art Glass Company

 

   
     The Fenton Art Glass Company was the largest manufacturer of handmade colored glass in the United States.  Founded in 1905 by brothers Frank and John Fenton, the company started out in Martins Ferry, Ohio in an old glass factory building.  The brothers launched the company with $284.86.  Early Fenton pieces were made using glass blanks from other companies, but the brothers soon decided to produce their own glass.  The company moved to a new building in Williamstown, WV in 1907.

     Frank Fenton desired to produce new and unusual colors, and from 1905 to 1920, the Fenton Company reflected influences from Tiffany and Steuben artists.  In 1907, Fenton introduced "Iridescent" glass, known today as "Carnival" glass.

     During the Depression, Fenton produced practical items such as mixing bowls and tableware, but after WWII, the company returned to making beautiful hand blown and hand painted glassware.  In 1952, milk glass "Hobnail" became Fenton's flagship pattern.

     Fenton ceased "traditional" glassmaking at the Williamstown factory in July of 2011.

Today, the factory produces jewelry specializing in glass beads and teardrop earrings.  Visitors can observe jewelry making and view the large glass inventory still in the factory.

  Fenton may be purchased at the factory gift shop or in antique shops around the world.  Collectors may display one or two fine pieces, or they may focus on Fenton specialties such as shoes, baskets, hand painted pieces, cats or other animals, lamps, or specific colors or styles of glass.  Fenton values vary depending on age, rarity, and condition.