Update:  Fenton reorganized & has been able to remain a viable business since I wrote this article.  Much to the delight of countless Fenton Collectors around the world.  They now have two divisions, the U.S. division, still handmade in WV, and the China division, for cost effective, though less collectable wares.  I think you will still find the information below helpful in learning about Fenton.  Thanks for reading.

I was born and raised just a couple miles from the Fenton Art Glass Company, it has been an institution in Williamstown, WV for 102 years.  Taking a plant tour gives you a new appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into making a piece of glass.  The heat from the furnace, the expertise of the artist making the glass.   Every piece that Fenton produces is made by hand & if it is painted it is hand painted and signed by the artist.  Fenton has remained a family owned business throughout its 102 year history.  Started with $284.00 by brothers, Frank & John Fenton in 1905.  It grew into one of the most recognized and collected glass in the world.  Some of their most collectable pieces have been the Family Signature Pieces.  Fenton's most sought after pieces are the Burmese, Cranberry, Carnival glasses as well as the Dave Fetty pieces, which are very artistic low quantity editions.  So for all of us who have been touched by the Fenton Family, it is very sad news to hear that Fenton, like every other glass making company in the U.S. is closing their doors.   Company President George Fenton has this to say about the plant closing:

The glass industry has several trends ongoing, and those trends have not helped the company stay afloat. “One is that we generally sell to people in rural (areas) with moderate incomes," he said "… Today, they have less discretionary income. Two, people are doing less collecting. Three, there is more competition from overseas. "Four, there are higher costs, especially natural gas," Fenton said. "Health care is right behind. Those have all come together.” In a news release, Fenton said the company's creditors have agreed to "an orderly plan to wind down our business."

I left the West Virginia many many years ago, but I never forgot the beauty and the fine craftsmanship that goes into making Fenton Art Glass.  When we opened our first Gift, Gallery & Interior store in 1996, I knew Fenton would be one of the items I sold.  We quickly grew into a showcase dealer for Fenton before retiring from the business in 2006.  Knowing now that Fenton will be closing their doors is a stark reality that should make an impression on everyone in this great country of ours.  Our industries are all disappearing, we are losing our craftsmen, look around you, everything is being made overseas!   Made in the USA is becoming a thing of the past.  Now it is made in China, Made in Taiwan, Made in Vietnam, this can not be good for the United States.   

Collecting is a very personal thing, I don't recommend you go out and buy it just because it is a Fenton piece.  The Burmese glass uses uranium and Cranberry uses gold, making their price points higher and the pieces sought after.  Carnival is another favorite of the people, especially red carnival which was invented by the Fenton Family.  However if you love it, and it is made by Fenton, you have found yourself a treasure.  Something to pass on to your children as you tell them how, once upon a time this was made by a hardworking American, in a small town in the foothills of West Virginia...... back when we still made products in the United States. 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me at my ebay store http://stores.ebay.com/brunosbasement

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