The Fenton Art Glass Company of Williamstown, West Virginia, which has had money problems since 2007, is shutting down its main furnace and discontinuing its lines of collectible and giftware art glass. Existing glass items will be sold at Fenton’s gift shop, on the company’s website (FentonArtGlass.com), and by Fenton dealers. The company hopes to sell some of the business assets, including product lines and equipment. The Charleston (W.Va.) Daily Mail reports that Fenton “may retool and focus on industrial glass and specialized glass beads.”
Photo: Fentonartglass.com (online store)
A number of years ago, my hubby and I spent a week in W.Virginia visiting all the glass blowing industries throughout the state. We were hoping to re-visit again in the near future but sadly, they are shutting down. So very sad to lose them and more people will be joining the unemployment line.
I’m sorry to read this, I have always loved their beautiful glass designs.
I would buy Fenton Beads for my small jewelry business. Keep the folks in West Virginia working, Retool the Plant!