Davidson-Gerson Gallery of Glass

about this exhibit

The Henry Ford’s American glass collection is one of the most comprehensive in the United States, numbering approximately 10,000 pieces. The gallery traces the history of American glassmaking from the 18th century through the present, including works by important artists like Louis Comfort Tiffany and contemporary masters of the Studio Glass movement.

Highlights

Sugar Bowl, 1844-1865

Saratoga Mountain Glass Works, United States, New York, Saratoga.

Compote, circa 1830

Compotes are all-purpose serving dishes. These usually footed bowls -- with or without lids or covers -- held special desserts, fruits, candies or sauces, jellies and other foods. Blown or pressed glass compotes provided a culinary presentation method suitable to 19th-century middle-class households.

Aurene Vase, circa 1920

Aurene was the name that Frederick Carder used for his iridescent art glass at the Steuben Glass Works made in Corning, New York. The glass produces a prismatic effect when light reflects across the surface. This elegant, floral-shaped vase combines a cased white outer shell with a dark blue iridescent interior. Steuben made many varieties of colored Aurene glass until 1932, when it moved toward more modern shapes.

"Black Eyed Susan Tea Pot" by Kari Russell-Pool, 2001

Russell-Pool, Kari, 1967-current.

Christmas Tree Ornament, 1939-1943

Corning Glass Works, United States, New York, Corning.

Peachblow Vases, 1885-1888

Art Glass is ornamental and decorative glass dating from the mid-to-late 19th century through the early 20th century. Makers of Art Glass employed newly developed technologies for producing vibrant colors and surface textures. This is most famously seen in the iridescent surfaces of Louis Comfort Tiffany and his contemporaries, although Art Glass took many shapes and forms.