Fenton Art Glass Marks Centennial Anniversary! Factory is Also One of the Country's Top Tourist Sites!

February 2005

Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties Magazine

Tim Coyne with Scott and George Fenton.

In today’s business world, for a company to hit its tenth anniversary tends to be a milestone. It’s no wonder then that Fenton Art Glass is aglow about marking its 100th anniversary this year. It’s a well-earned occasion. Fenton Art Glass is the largest manufacturer of handmade color art glass in the United States. What’s more, it’s still a family-owned business!

Fenton Art Glass began as a glass decorating firm in Martins Ferry, Ohio, in 1905. Brothers Frank L. Fenton and John W. Fenton soon decided to build their own factory near an abundant source of natural gas. They pooled $284, persuaded two brothers to join them, and began making glass in Williamstown, West Virginia on January 2, 1907.

Still located in Williamstown WV, the Fenton Family, and the company itself, are what might be known as the salt of the Earth. They’re hardworking, produce an excellent product and are very customer conscious. But, the so-called secret ingredients at Fenton are the people. Today nine third and fourth generation family members lead the way.

This Fenton Red Hot hat in ruby glass comes with a custom wood stand.

Standing around 6-foot, five inches tall, George Fenton is a stately President/CEO, and a savvy, cutting edge businessman. He is also surrounded by extremely capable staff – eight of which are his relatives. His wife, Nancy, is the Director of Design, brother Tom is the VP of Manufacturing and brother Michael is the Purchasing Manager. His cousin Shelly Fenton Ash is the Graphics Manager, cousin Randall is the VP and Treasurer of the Fenton Gift Shop, and cousin Christine is in Personnel. Other than George, the most visible face in the gift market centers and trade shows is his nephew Scott serving as National Sales Manager. His cousin Lynn Fenton Erb is the Assistant to the President. There are also 450 other employees who create an ever changing variety of handmade and hand painted glass. Fenton products are available for sale in over 5000 retail shops across the United States and in several foreign countries as well as on the television shopping network QVC.

A Fenton vase from the new Platinum Collection. Called Moonlit Poppies, it is satin-finished black glass with a floral design by the company’s decorating designer, CC Hardman.

“When my grandfather and his brother started Fenton Art Glass at the turn of the last century, it was their desire to enhance the glass making industry,” said George Fenton. “That mission and dedication to quality workmanship has carried through to the present day where we have multiple generations working together to produce high quality decorative glass in the tradition that my grandfather started.”

Throughout its history, Fenton has been a leader in the art glass industry. Its “iridescent” glass, first marketed in 1907, is now known as “Carnival” glass and a popular collectible today. Focusing on quality and artistry, Fenton sculptors, designers and artists work together to craft unique, meticulous designs often requiring more than 15 glass craftsmen to produce just one piece.

Over the years, the company has evolved without compromising quality or craftsmanship. Utilizing techniques developed with the dawn of the glass making industry,

This Fenton sandwich tray is 11” in diameter and sales are is limited to sales through May 15, 2005. The color was developed at Fenton in the mid-1920s and the piece is part of the new Generations Collection for 2005.

Fenton glassmakers produce products in the tradition of centuries past.

“We have always believed in maintaining the technique of hand made glass,” Fenton said. “It is a craft, an art form, which our collectors and customers have come to expect for a century. Being handmade allows us to make special colors, shapes, and treatments that cannot be made by machine.”

Throughout the years, the company has grown to offer more opportunities for novice and aficionado glass collectors alike. The Fenton Factory tour is ranked as one of the top ten factory tours by USA Today.

One of Fenton’s new Designer Fairy Lights. The piece features a painting style that appeared more than 100 years ago.

Fenton Art Glass Company’s 100th anniversary will be celebrated throughout the year at trade shows, market centers and retail shops across the country. The main events though will be held in Williamstown WV July 29 to August 2. Events will include demonstrations on how art glass is made and decorated, displays on the history of glass and the history of Fenton Art Glass, autograph sessions with the Fenton Family and genealogy tracing of Fenton Art Glass pieces.

The company’s centennial year got a special launching in December when George and Scott Fenton presided over a national sales meeting that included special awards to outstanding accomplishments by the independent sales reps across the country.

Among the winners top prize winners were:

• J.F. Hukill Company of Lexington KY - Top Single State Territory Award.

• Art and Susan Porter of The Weikels of North Carolina and Atlanta - Top Sales Associate.

• Coyne’s & Co., of Minnetonka, MN - Top Sales Organization.