CALCITE

By Bob Mueller

By the time Mr. Carder first made his Calcite Glass in 1915, he had already been very fortunate to have created three important legacy glass types that defined the commercial success of Steuben Glass. First, his Gold and Blue Aurene., Then just a few years later Mr. Carder followed up with Verre de Soie. While these three glasses withstood the test of time his Calcite would define his diversity.

Calcite was first developed by Mr. Carder for light shades. The Calcite formula would soften the tone of the light to make a warm appearance to light up a room. Other shades could not restrain the brightness that Calcite could. While Steuben Glass had the predominant position in the quality shade market before the creation and use of Calcite its creation would throw the final 1-2 punch that would solidify Steuben Glass’ leadership in this commercial market.

By the time Mr. Carder was “promoted” to Art Director of Corning Glass Works in 1932 his Calcite was being used far beyond merely shades, but also for vases, bowls, acid etched, engraved and layered with an Aurene in many ways.

The use of Calcite on shades was used for plain shades, small or large, dome shape or for use as a student lamp. We would see Gold or Blue Aurene added as an outer layer in more ways than I could count. Designs start with a pulled feather to the zipper designs. Shapes, sizes, plain, and colors added just that much more to possibilities as how many different combinations did Mr. Carder created.

Looking over how many different ways Mr. Carder used his Aurenes and Verre de Soie I feel Calcite deserves proper credit also.

See the link for photos from the 1915-1916 catalogs I have that shows what Mr. Carder was producing with his newly created “Calcite”. I also have tried to show designs not seen very often in larger shades.

http://www.kddk.com/alans/Calcite.pdf

Bob Mueller
Osseo, MN
April 22, 2010