UPDATE ON FENTON ART GLASS COMPANY and FENTON GIFT SHOP:

Though Fenton Art Glass Co. ceased traditional glassmaking in 2011, they continue to use more than a century of glassmaking expertise and skill to create beautiful, handcrafted art glass jewelry. A limited tour
of the beadmaking department is available upon request. See how our talented decorators meticulously handpaint these beautiful beads and the beadmakers create "wearable art" from the hot flame!

As the company winds down the remaining factory "traditional glass" inventory, handpainted glass is still available and other items are marked at 60-70% discount in the Fenton Gift Shop. There are also limited editions and one-of-a-kind pieces offered in the shop as well as on eBay. There is a video of the company history as well.

www.fentonartglass.com or 304-375-7772 for current hours of operation for Fenton Gift Shop.

 

Our History

Fenton Art Glass Company is the largest manufacturer
of handmade colored glass in the United States.

The Fenton Art Glass Company was founded in 1905 by
Frank L. Fenton and his brother John W. Fenton in an old glass
factory building in Martins Ferry, Ohio. They began by painting decorations on glass blanks made by other glass manufacturers.
Soon, being unable to get the glass they needed, they decided to produce their own glass. The first glass from the new Fenton factory
in Williamstown, West Virginia, was made on January 2, 1907.

Frank L. Fenton's desire to develop new and unusual colors helped to keep Fenton in the forefront of the handmade
art glass industry. During the years from 1905 to the 1920's, Fenton design was influenced by the artists at Tiffany and Steuben. In late 1907, Fenton introduced "Iridescent" glass. This glass, now known as "Carnival" glass, is a popular collectible today.

During the 1930's and 1940's, Fenton produced practical items, such as mixing bowls and tableware to get through the depression and WWII shortages. They continued working on developing a wide array of new colors. In the late 1940's, the top three members of the Fenton management team died, leaving Frank M. Fenton, age 33, and Wilmer C. (Bill) Fenton, age 25, to step in and take over as President and Vice President. In spite of other glass factories closing at a rapid rate, Frank and Bill led the Fenton factory through significant American growth for the next 30 years.

In 1986, the leadership of the company passed on to the third generation, with George W. Fenton, Frank M's son, taking over
as President. Today eight Fenton family members work together along with over 100 employees to create handmade glass artistry that is loved by collectors around the world. Fenton is known for its beautiful colors and patterns. Each piece of glass is an artistic creation by skilled glassworkers and decorators.

The Fenton Family

Shelley A. Fenton Ash

Lynn E. Fenton Erb

Wilmer C. "Bill" Fenton

Christine L. Fenton

Don A. Fenton

Frank M. Fenton

George W. Fenton

Michael D. Fenton

Nancy G. Fenton

Randall R. Fenton

Scott K. Fenton

Thomas K. Fenton

Fenton Artisans (** designates Current Artisan)

Dave Fetty, Glass Artist

Wayne King, Fenton Craftsman

Frank Workman, Fenton Craftsman

Frank O. Myers, Fenton's first basket handler

Louise Piper, Started Fenton decorating department

Kim Barley, Decorating Designer**

Frances Burton, Decorating Designer**

Michelle Kibbe, Decorating Designer** (Beadmaker)

J. K. "Robin" Spindler, Decorating Designer**

Stacy Williams, Decorating Designer

Martha Reynolds, Decorating Designer

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