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Behrens glassware has been manufactured at the Freiherr von Poschinger factory for over 100 years. The glasses were part of the tableware presented by Peter Behrens at the exhibition in ‘Glaspalast’ in Munich in 1899. Image courtesy of Bavarian Kunst Ventures Inc. ‘Poschinger Stemware.’

Reyne Gauge: Art glass – where old is new again

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf

Behrens glassware has been manufactured at the Freiherr von Poschinger factory for over 100 years. The glasses were part of the tableware presented by Peter Behrens at the exhibition in ‘Glaspalast’ in Munich in 1899. Image courtesy of Bavarian Kunst Ventures Inc. ‘Poschinger Stemware.’
Behrens glassware has been manufactured at the Freiherr von Poschinger factory for over 100 years. The glasses were part of the tableware presented by Peter Behrens at the exhibition in ‘Glaspalast’ in Munich in 1899. Image courtesy of Bavarian Kunst Ventures Inc. ‘Poschinger Stemware.’
While glass has been made for centuries, around the globe and by thousands of makers, only a few can still tout being in business today. Surviving different economies, changing consumer tastes, and the rising costs of materials and payroll can’t be easy. Those that were able to overcome these hurdles have also in some instances had to rethink formulas used over the years in order to become eco-friendly.

A few very recognizable glass companies are leading the way in using recycled materials, or recycling their own glassware.

In the United States, there is the Fenton Art Glass Co. Founded in Ohio in 1905, the glassmaker moved to its current residence in West Virginia in 1907. When Rivanna Natural Designs tapped Fenton Art Glass to create art glass awards for them, but by using recycled products, they jumped at the opportunity. They located a local source for recycled bottle glass and a new start-up was formed.

In Italy, the Murano Glass Co. began designing glass as early as 1291. The tradition of blowing glass has been handed down for many generations. Many of the designs being produced today are inspired by the artisans working there over 100 years ago. They are known for making affordable treasures for tourists to take home as mementoes of their trip to Italy, but some of their artists’ wares can command several thousand dollars. Today, Murano does not dispose of their broken or irregular glass, but keeps the glass to be recycled for use another day.

Finally, in the Black Forest of Bavaria is Poschingera, a well-regarded glass company. Poschinger has been in operation since 1568, and is still owned and operated by the same family. Poschinger Glass produces utilitarian products along with decorative items and has recently started selling in the United States. The company uses 40 percent to 45 percent recycled cullet in the glass melt.

Not only do these companies have the “green” theme in common, but also their products can be found in numerous museums around the world.

To learn more about these eco-friendly products, visit their websites:

Fenton Art Glass: www.fentonartglass.com
Poschinger Glass: www.bavariankunst.com
Murano: www.muranoglass.com

 

ADDITIONAL IMAGE OF NOTE

Behrens glassware has been manufactured at the Freiherr von Poschinger factory for over 100 years. The glasses were part of the tableware presented by Peter Behrens at the exhibition in ‘Glaspalast’ in Munich in 1899. Image courtesy of Bavarian Kunst Ventures Inc. ‘Poschinger Stemware.’
Behrens glassware has been manufactured at the Freiherr von Poschinger factory for over 100 years. The glasses were part of the tableware presented by Peter Behrens at the exhibition in ‘Glaspalast’ in Munich in 1899. Image courtesy of Bavarian Kunst Ventures Inc. ‘Poschinger Stemware.’