Mark Buffa of Utica, MI and the Club’s webmaster has differing thoughts on
what to collect and what is “museum worthy”.

I do not speak up often but I am going to now.

The conversations that Thomas’s message has inspired are enlightening but I have an issue
with what a museum would consider important. What is considered important now might not
be what is important in the future. Frederick Carder had a very long career and every piece of Steuben has an importance in reflecting the greatness of his achievements. For a museum to just have what is considered important would just show ignorance in fully understanding
Frederick Carder’s achievements. Every piece has an importance in understanding Steuben and Frederick Carder. For those that have seen our collection you can understand. From the small topaz match holder to the recently acquired dark blue jade grotesque bowl, every piece has an importance and as a whole shows the greatness of Frederick Carder and Steuben. To just have what a museum would consider important would be missing part of the big picture.

Thought you might like to see Thomas Dreiling’s reaction to all the responsive
comment from his e-mail asking about what museum he might contribute his
collection to some day.

I’m thrilled with the dialogue that my little question stared up. I’m looking forward to the list of Museums. I have another 19 years before retirement so
it’s going to be a while but I really do hope I can someday place my collection
with a museum. This has made me take a mental inventory of what I already own
and what would make a good acquisition. Going forward I’m looking to add only
very select pieces, ones that a museum would consider design important. I will
never have an all inclusive collection of Steuben but within certain areas I hope I
can acquire great stuff.
Thomas

From Dick Weertz of Osprey, FL

Alan: It has been an interesting dialogue, and one I had not really considered that much before. I offer for discussion a different slant on the topic.

First, I think most people who collect Steuben or any glass collect if for the beauty of the piece, the history of the glass and the thrill of being able to acquire something that you can enjoy every day for years and years. There is nothing more fun for Janet and me to do than sit down in an evening with a glass (Steuben of course) of good wine and enjoy our collection. Nothing can compare to be able to touch the glass arrange the glass, remember how you acquired the glass, and the history behind it. That is what collecting is all about.

Second, if the better collections end up in museum, universities, or institutions, one will not be able to enjoy the privilege of collecting them or touch them again. They are gone forever and will be only seen behind glass during certain hours, with little cards saying what they are and where they came from if they are shown at all. I do, however, believe that there are “special pieces” that may be best displayed in a museum setting.

How can we encourage new collectors to join us if there is no hope of acquiring the pieces we have enjoyed for many years. I think it was Tom Dimitroff who once told me that we never own a piece of glass, we just are caretakers during the time we enjoy it. David Goldstein told me once that the average collection lasts about 20 years before it changes hands. (Which is a little scary for me.) Would it not be better, unless we are able to make an endowment to build a “wing” where we can have our name displayed for perpetuity, to pass on the pieces in our collections to the next generation of collectors and donate the money to the institutions we wish. I am sure the New Orleans museum or other museums, would appreciate the money to fix the leaky ceilings, as much or more than a few more pieces of glass they have little room to display.
Dick Weerts

From Brenda Smith of Vestal, NY–
Some people buy a piece of glass just because they covet it and want to see it
every day displayed in their own home or office. There are many persons with
limited collecting budgets who do not buy for investment. Who cares if family or
a museum would want it later? I collect for the beauty of the piece, skill of craftsman, to use on my table, and for the fun of making new friends and the thrill of the hunt. Our Club’s mission is to educate others to Mr. Carder’s genius, even those who may not be able to afford even one piece. His techniques educated the workers to create beautiful glass which we all can enjoy.
Brenda Smith