Home  Hot Glass Studio Frequent Buyer Ordering Info Gift Certificates Trade - In Program Email Us 

Fenton Art Glass Company  History

Fenton Art Glass Company is the largest manufacturer of handmade colored glass in the United States.

The Fenton Art Glass Company was founded in 1905 by Frank L. Fenton and his brother John W. Fenton in an old glass factory building in Martins Ferry, Ohio. They began by painting decorations on glass blanks made by other glass manufacturers. Soon, being unable to get the glass they needed, they decided to produce their own glass. The first glass from the new Fenton factory in Williamstown, West Virginia, was made on January 2, 1907.

Frank L. Fenton's desire to develop new and unusual colors helped to keep Fenton in the forefront of the handmade art glass industry. During the years from 1905 to the 1920's, Fenton design was heavily influenced by the artists at Tiffany and Steuben. In late 1907, Fenton introduced "Iridescent" glass. This glass, now known as "Carnival" glass, is a popular collectible today.

During the 1930's and 1940's, Fenton produced practical items, such as mixing bowls and tableware to get through the depression and WWII shortages. They continued working on developing a wide array of new colors. In the late 1940's, the top three members of the Fenton management team died, leaving Frank M. Fenton, age 33, and Wilmer C. (Bill) Fenton, age 25, to step in and take over as President and Vice President. In spite of other glass factories closing at a rapid rate, Frank and Bill led the Fenton factory through significant American growth for the next 30 years.

In 1986, the leadership of the company passed on to the third generation, with George W. Fenton, Frank M's son, taking over as President. Today nine Fenton family members work together along with over 400 employees to create handmade glass artistry that is loved by collectors around the world. Fenton is known for its beautiful colors and patterns. Each piece of glass is an artistic creation by skilled glassworkers and decorators.

The Fenton Art Glass

100th Anniversary Timeline

For over 100 years, the vision of Fenton family members, together with their passion for glassmaking, has sustained the Fenton Art Glass organization. Each person contributes special talents to the team effort of glassmaking. We make quality glass, by hand and in keeping with the great heritage of craftsmanship in the American glass industry. See the Fenton family tree.

1905
With $284.86, Frank L. Fenton and his brother John start the Fenton Art Glass Company, renting space in the Haskins Glass Co. building in Martins Ferry, Ohio. They buy glass blanks on which they paint decoration. Soon, they have trouble acquiring glass, so they decide to produce their own.

1906-7
The Fentons build a factory in Williamstown, West Virginia. The first piece made is a crystal cream pitcher with a Water Lily and Cattails pattern.

1910
After several successful years, Frank L. Fenton is named President, Treasurer and General Manager.

1925
Frank's brother Robert C. Fenton is appointed Vice President, Secretary and Sales Manager.

1939
Baskets, Cranberry glass, crested ware, and the Hobnail pattern all debut in the late 1930s.

1948
With the passing of Frank and Robert C. Fenton, Frank M. Fenton becomes President. Wilmer C. "Bill" Fenton becomes Vice-President. Together, they lead the factory through significant growth for nearly four decades.

1952
Milk glass Hobnail becomes Fenton's flagship pattern. Years later, Bill Fenton fondly calls Hobnail our "bread and butter" line.

1969
Fenton and Cracker Barrel begin a business relationship. Fenton created a special item for Cracker Barrel's 30th Anniversary in 1999.

1978
Frank M. Fenton accepts the position of Chairman of the Board, and Bill Fenton becomes President.

1980-1989
The first Connoisseur Collection is offered in 1983. Throughout the 1980s, Fenton's Milk Glass, Burmese and Rosalene colors continue to rise in popularity.

1986
George W. Fenton becomes President, and he remains at the helm today. Bill Fenton is named Chairman of the Board, and Frank M. Fenton retires to the position of Historian.
 

1988
Fenton appears on QVC with Bill Fenton as the first on-air guest. Today on-air guests include George Fenton, Scott Fenton, Nancy Fenton and Shelley Fenton-Ash. Fenton published a book titled Fenton Glass: Especially for QVC in 2002.

1994
Fenton's Showcase Dealer Program begins with 235 dealers. Today there are more than 1,000 Showcase Dealers nationwide.

1996
The premier issue of the Glass Messenger, a quarterly newsletter for Fenton collectors, is published. A Roselle on Cranberry Basket is offered as the first Subscriber Exclusive.

2000
Fenton celebrates the company's 95th Anniversary!

2004
Fenton publishes a coffee table book titled FENTON: Handcrafted American Glass Artistry

2005
May 4, 2005 - Fenton turns 100! Fenton Centennial Celebration in Williamstown July 31-August 2.

The Fenton Promise

To gift buyers, home decorators and collectors who value unique, handcrafted and handpainted art glass that has been appreciated for generations...

Fenton promises an extensive variety of appealing products crafted in distinctive colors and styles by skilled American artisans. Each piece of glass imparts a sense of heritage, pride of ownership, and excitement in sharing the Fenton experience.

Fenton will continue to be a creative and responsive company committed to perfecting its craft and being recognized throughout world markets as the leading source of high-quality handcrafted colored glass.

Fenton, a family tradition since 1905.

Meet The Fenton  Family

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.

Today nine third and fourth generation family members are leading the way as Fenton Art Glass starts their second century of glassmaking in 2006.

Tom Fenton's Biography

As Vice President of The Fenton Art Glass Company, Tom played a key leadership role in the Fenton factory’s quest for Continuous Improvement of Quality. “Our goal was to constantly improve the product we made for Fenton’s followers throughout the world."

Tom’s early education included Ohio Wesleyan University, Ohio University Grad School and the US Army Reserves. In recent years, Tom has served the US hand glass industry’s Society for Glass Science and Practices as its representative on the board of the Glass Manufacturing Industry Council (GMIC), an organization encompassing all major sectors of the American glass industry. The GMIC activity fosters cooperation in areas of technology, productivity and the environment.

His son Scott is Fenton's National Sales Manager and his daughter Jennifer is a Fenton Sales Representative in Kentucky.

Tom and his wife, Sharon, enjoy traveling, aerobics and mountain hiking plus spending time with their three fun-loving adult children and four wild grandchildren.

Tom Fenton Announces Retirement

Scott Fenton's Biography

Scott grew up working at Fenton's 100+ year old family business. He spent many summers and holidays working throughout the company as a youngster. At 16, Scott worked in the Gift Shop dusting shelves and giving tours. Then, on to Inventory Control, Shipping, Packing, Hot Metal, and finally Scott worked for his father Tom Fenton, VP Manufacturing, completing many different projects as he learned the many facets of glassmaking and started college.

Scott joined the Fenton company in 1997 after graduating from West Virginia Wesleyan College.

Scott worked for his cousin, great friend and mentor, Don A. Fenton (VP Sales), until his untimely passing in 2003. Scott is now Vice President of Sales.

(picture of Scott's son, Jackson riding the conveyors at Fenton. This is highly dangerous and should only be attempted by trained professionals.)

Fenton family signatures

                     Frank M. Fenton

                   Tom Fenton
 

                        Lynn Fenton

George Fenton