| Fenton Art Glass Company | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Type | Private company |
| Founded | Martins Ferry, Ohio (1905) |
| Headquarters | Williamstown, West Virginia, USA |
| Employees | 120 |
| Website | http://www.fentonartglass.com |
The Fenton Art Glass Company was founded in 1905 by brothers Frank L. Fenton and John W. Fenton in an old glass factory in Martins Ferry, Ohio. Originally, they painted glass blanks from other glass makers, but started making their own glass when they were unable to buy the glass they needed. Frank Fenton had a passion for developing new and unusual colors, which helped Fenton Art Glass tremendously. Between 1905 to 1920, the designs made were heavily influenced by two other glass companies, Tiffany and Steuben. Towards the end of the year 1907, Fenton introduced iridescent glass, also known as carnival glass, Today, it is a popular collector's item. During the Great Depression and World War II, Fenton produced practical items for people due to shortages, such mixing bowls and tableware. Simultaneously, they continued to create many new colors. In the late 1940's, the top three members of Fenton's management died. Frank Fenton and Wilmer C. "Bill" Fenton immediately stepped in and took over the positions of President and Vice President. Over the next thirty years, the duo would continue to expand Fenton Art Glass, despite the number of glass factories closing down. In 1986, George W. Fenton, Frank's son, took over as President of the company.[1]
2007 Closing
On August 9, 2007, Fenton Art Glass sent out a press release stating would "cease... operations over the next few months."
Their plans involved laying off 25 employees immediately, and gradually let the others go in the following weeks. [2] However, on December 4, 2007, Fenton Art Glass released a press statement saying that due to the buying frenzy that resulted, as well as internal restructuring, the company would stay open until at least the spring of 2008[3].
References
- ^ Our History (HTML). Retrieved on 2007-12-27.
- ^ "Fenton Art Glass Says It's Closing" (HTML). Retrieved on 2007-12-27. (English)
- ^ "Fenton Art Glass Plans To Continue Glass Production" (HTML). Retrieved on 2007-12-27. (English)
