It wasn't until the early 19th-century that a cut-glass industry was established in the United States to meet the increasing demand. In order to avoid labor agitation, one of these first firms moved its plant upstate to Corning, New York, in 1868. The Philadelphia Exposition of 1876 promoted the popularity of cut glass, and soon many more factories were opening in Corning. By 1890, when the T.G. Hawkes company opened for business, the town was promoted as "the Crystal City," and by 1905 it could boast 400 companies. Spillman, curator of American glass at the Corning Museum of Glass, mixes a fascinating look at the cultural history of cut glass with details of the industry, based on recently discovered bills, ledgers, catalogs, and letters from T.G. Hawkes, whose firm remained in business until 1962. This is a fine study of American business as well as of glass design. With 512 illustrations of historic glass pieces, catalog pages, and early advertising, it will also be an important work for glass collectors. For decorative arts and American collectibles collections.?Joseph C. Hewgley, Nashville P.L.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Reader Reviews
Ms. Jane Spillman has done it again with her new book. Collectors of American Brilliant Cut Glass ran the price of her first large book, 'The Complete Cut and Engraved Glass of Corning' up to $500.00 before it was reprinted and this one will go the same way if it is not over printed. It contains a wealth of knowledge concerning the cut glass industry and the relationships between Hawkes and his competitors, particularly Dorflinger and J. Hoare. Many pattern illustrations are included, some for the first time, and the relationships between Gorham Silver and the Hawkes and J. Hoare firms are detailed. In addition to the above, the book provides a really good look at what it was like to be part of the cut glass industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in America. Many references are made to the recently discovered Hawkes archives, which contain day-by-day correspondence from T. G. Hawkes himself to his rivals in the industry and his suppliers and customers. Additionally, many references are made to Hawkes' patterns, and even his views on the labor movement. A whole chapter is given over to detailing Hawkes' preparations, manufacturing hassles and the major problems involved in the shipment of his display to the Paris Exposition of 1889. It's like being there. This is a wonderful book which must be read if you are to consider yourself a true collector of American Brilliant Cut Glass.
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