Fenton Art Glass Commemorates 100th Anniversary

The Business Journal

WILLIAMSTOWN, W.Va. -- Fenton Art Glass, the largest manufacturer of handmade colored glass in the United States, marks its centennial anniversary today -- 100 years to the day since the company opened for business. "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, company president. "That mission and dedication to quality workmanship has carried through to the present day, where we have multiple generations working together to produce the high- quality decorative glass that my grandfather had in mind."

Gov. Joe Manchin will issue an official proclamation and take part in the Fenton experience by learning the glass making craft from Fenton master artists. "In today's day and age, centennial celebrations are few and far between," Manchin said. "Fenton Art Glass products and the company's influence in the glass making industry spans the world."

Founded in 1905 as a glass decorating company, the company soon discovered the benefits of producing glass itself without having to depend on other glass manufacturers. In 1907, the company moved into a new factory in Williamstown, where the company headquarters, factory and gift shop are located today. Fenton's "iridescent" glassware, first marketed in 1907, is now known as "Carnival" glass and remains a popular collectible.

A family business since its inception, leadership for Fenton Art Glass was passed to its third generation in 1986. Today, Fenton family members -- including those from the fourth generation -- work together with 500 employees to create handmade glass. Fenton products are available for purchase in more than 4,500 retail shops across the United States and in several foreign countries, as well as on the television shopping network QVC.