08/28/2026
You know what day is!! It's Friday Facts with Sheila 👩🏼🏫.
We all love some Fenton Art Glass!
Fenton Art Glass Company was founded in 1905 in Martins Ferry, OH in an old glass factory by brothers Frank and John Fenton. They started out as a decorating company that purchased blanks from glass manufacturers and placed their own decorations on them. In 1906 they built their own factory in nearby Williamstown, VA. Towards the end of 1907 they were the first to make carnival glass. In 1908, John left and founded his own company.
Frank was the designer and decorator and from 1905 to 1920, the designs being influenced by Tiffany and Steuben. Jacob Rosenthal, a famous glass chemist who is known for developing golden agate and chocolate glass, was the man behind the different colors.
During the Great depression and WWII, due to shortages, Fenton made practical items such as tableware and mixing bowls while also creating new colors. In 1940, they started selling Hobnail items in cranberry opalescent, green opalescent and French opalescent. The Hobnail pattern was such a success, it allowed the company to not only exist during the war but also allowed them to expand after the war.
In Aug 2007 they announced they would be ceasing operations however, in December they released a statement that due to an unexpected buying frenzy and internal restructuring, they would remain open until at least spring of 2008. They were able to stay in business until 2011 with the traditional glassmaking. The factory remained open, producing teardrop earrings and handcrafted glass beads using their signature colors, techniques and hand-decorated artistry.
The Fenton gift shop remains open just minutes from the original factory. It is still handmade using original moulds at a factory in Ohio.
Do you have any Fenton? Maybe a epergne 💜, some Hobnail, a top hat or shoe.
Come visit booths 20/21 at Sunflower Cottage & Antiques or the new booth (RB28) location opening Sept 2nd at Silver Springs Vintage Warehouse to find your next treasure!
