Rockwell Museum
Corning,. NY
607.937.5386
www.stny.lrun.com/RockwellMuseum
Definitive Book on Frederick Carder Published
An indispensable reference of great
significance to scholars and collectors of Steuben glass is now taking its
place among important books on American art and artists. Just released in
1998, Frcderick Carder and Steuben Glass: American Classics is the
definitive reference book on the life and works of Frederick Carder, a pioneer
of modern art-glass manufacture. The book's groundbreaking critical essays
reveal the significance of Carder's contributions. Lavishly illustrated,
it includes nearly 500 color photos of Carder's work, including many newly
discovered pieces, and over 700 black and white images. The book's publication
this fall coincides with the 135th anniversary of Carder's birth.
Initiated by the Rockwell Museum's membership and support
group, the Friends of Carder, the book was written by the world's leading
authority on Carder and Steuben glass, Thomas P. Dimitroff. Essays on specific
facets of Carder's career were contributed by Charles R. Hajdamach, Robert
F. Rockwell III, and Jane Shadel Spillman. Robyn G. Peterson, Curator of
Collections at the Rockwell Museum in Corning, New York, served as general
editor and project
manager for the book. The museum houses the world's most comprehensive collection
of early Steuben glass.
The Friends of Carder provide support and funding assistance for glass activities at the Rockwell Museum. Each September, the museum holds an auction of this opulent glass, with proceeds from recent years' auctions dedicated to producing this critical scholarly work. The Friends of Carder are very active in the auctions as both donors and bidders.
The authors' passion for their subject is evident. Two
decades of planning, research, and writing went into the project. Each contributor
is an expert with special interest in the works of Carder. Thomas P. Dimitroff
is a historian, collector, and Honorary Curator of the Carder collection
at the Rockwell Museum. Jane Shadel Spillman is Curator of American Glass
at The Corning Museum of Glass. Charles R. Hajdamach is Principal Museum
Officer at the Broadfield House Glass Museum in West Midlands, England.
Robert F. Rockwell III is a collector and a member of the family that provided
the initial collection of Carder glass for the Rockwell Museum.
Much work has gone into researching previously unpublished
information, including the early yeats of Carder's glassmaking career, Carder's
later studio period, previously unpublished drawings, and recently discovered
objects from Carder's brilliant body of work. The book provides a critical
look at Carder's place in the history of the art of glass and offers a definitive
picture of the man and his work. This volume is destined to become the quintessential
reference book on Frederick Carder.
The legacy of legendary glass artist Frederick Carder is
in the magnificent pieces he created and the enduring success of the company
he established. A contemporary of Tiffany and Galle, he and partner T.G.
Hawkes cofounded the Steuben Glass Works in 1903. Lured by the opportunity
to implement his vision as artistic director of the fledgling company, Carder
left his native England for Steuben County in upstate New York. Named for
its geographic home, Steuben Glass has become acclaimed throughout the world
for exceptional works in glass, often presented as America's gift to heads-of-state
on important occasions.
Carder's prolific career spanned much of his 100-year life.
Innovative experimentation with glassmaking techniques produced myriad results
including iridescent surfaces, murky translucence, and saturated colors.
When the Steuben Glass Works became part of Corning Glass Works in 1918,
he contributed his talents to both companies and continued to promote excellence
in design development.
Frcderick Carder and Steuben Glass: American Classics was published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd. Copies can be ordered by contacting the Rockwell Museum.
From top to bottom: Cover of Frederick Carder and Steuben
Glass: American Classics; Decorated Gold Aurene vases, c. 1905-1912;
Rosaline, Light Blue Jade and Green Jade stemware, 1920s, Gold Aurene vase,
c. 1925-1929; Steuben Cintra vase; Gold Aurene luminor with cast figure,
c. 1925-29; Gold Aurene perfumes and cosmetic jar, c. 1913.
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