pair of Macbeth-Evans votives in Monax glass.

These are one of my faves because of the story they tell. MacBeth -Evans were one of the largest suppliers of glass chimneys & shades for oil & gas lamps. However with the advent of domestic electricity supply, their market vanished very quickly. Macbeth-Evans then tried to re-tool and produce tableware and domestic knickknacks. Along the way they developed a durable glass called Monax which looked similar to 'milk' glass. Eventually the company was sold to Corning who were looking to create a range of heatproof unbreakable glassware. So for those of you who use Corningware casseroles, your dish is not only descended from oil lamps but is real evidence of how electricity changed the world.