Posted 9 years ago
LOUMANAL
(436 items)
In 1977 and 1978 Fostoria Glass introduced a free blown line of Art Glass hoping that it would help their sagging sales. This new line proved to be too expensive for the public so these vases were produced for only these two years. The designer for this line of Art Glass was Jaimie Carpenter and 3 different styles were introduced; the IMPRESSIONS, the IMAGES and the INTERPRETATIONS. They were signed in script underneath with the year of production. Because of the high cost at the time, $300-$400 , a limited amount of vases were made and sold.
It is very difficult to find photos or information of vases produced during these two years or which vases were considered part of each style produced. Since they were free blown, no two vases are exactly the same.
This heavy, over 4 pounds vase is signed FOSTORIA 78 and is composed of tortoise shell type spatter with iridescent abalone-type spatter interspersed. It measures 6 3/4" by 7" wide.
If anyone is a member of the Fostoria Society and who would have access to catalogues or a library of Fostoria products, I would appreciate any information on this vase. Fostoria Glass closed their doors in the mid 1980's. Thanks everyone, RER(BOB)
**Found a similar vase with an Images label.
Very interesting post Bob, and it's beautiful glass. The last few decades of 20thC was very challenging for glass companies. In Australia we actually had a big boom in glass studios in the 1980s....now I think there would not be half the number producing glass art, and those that do make most of their income with overseas sales.
I don't know Fostoria's history - are they still in existence?
The Fostoria glass company started operations in Fostoria, Ohio in 1887, moved to Moundsville, Ohio and eventually closed in 1986. At their peak, they employed over 1000 people. They made beautiful pressed glass in hundreds of patterns.
Thanks racer4four for the comments and thank you blunderbuss2, charcoal, OneGoodFind, swfinluv1, NevadaBlades, mikelv85 and vetraio50 for the love.RER(Bob)
Lovely LOUMANAL I've had an interest in tortoiseshell art glass since finding my first bit 9months ago and only have 2 to date, both posted here. Thanks for posting it. This is the first Fostoria one I've seen & a beauty, most I come across are by ' mdina'
Thank you Vintagefran, kivatinitz, aura and SEAN68 for the loves. RER(BOB)
Thank you courtenayantiques for the love. RER
Thank you MyFavoriteTreasures and SEAN68 for the love. RER(Bob)
Was finally able to name this vase " Fostoria Images"
Any other Fostoria enthusiasts out there who would want to share their Art glass from this period of production?
I ran across your post during a google search for late 70's Fostoria vases. I have a piece that I believe was part of James Carpenter's Designer Collection. I just signed up for this site so I could respond to your post, but I have no idea how to post a pic yet. I'll get on that soon.