A Critical Review

Yesterday we discussed “Descripotive Glass Entries” from John A. Shuman III’s 1988 text, and the need to read those with care. Today, you’ll see yet more critiques. In past times without the communications now available, considerable more resources available today to study and improved methods of study resource availability, we know more than ever about Carder and Steuben Glass. Hopefully, as these Entries continue, readership will feel free and critique those Entries where deserved and the entirety of the process will be educational.

Cheers for the Hoppers

Hurray to Shari and David Hopper for reminding us to read and think critically. An interesting exercise is to compare Shuman’s description of bubbles on page 9 of his 2nd edition with Gardner’s description of bubbles on pages 69 and 70 of his first edition. I think I know the source of Shuman’s information.

Scott Hansen, Stamford, CT.

Bristol Yellow

Alan,

Among the errors in Shuman’s book is his statement that the yellow color of Bristol Yellow is due to silver. The colorants in Bristol Yellow are the oxides of titanium, cerium, and uranium. A yellow glass containing titania and ceria as colorants was patented by William C. Taylor at Corning Glass Works in 1919. Carder found that the addition of urania to this glass enhanced the yellow color, and thereby invented Bristol Yellow glass.

Ed Bush, Painted Post, NY

Caution

I am glad to see that others are questioning the information in Shuman’s American Art Glass. While my background in Steuben is not as extensive as many others in this group, I can tell you that he misidentified the glass of other makers.

For example, on page 52 of the Second Edition, he identifies a comport as attributed to Cambridge Glass Company when it clearly is a well-known piece made by Fostoria Glass Company (#2433) 1931-1932 and designed by George Sakier (noted industrial designer) for Fostoria. I tried to communicate with him when I discovered the error but never got any response.

Take what he says with caution.

I have been advised that his volume on European Art Glass has many more mistakes that the American Art Glass volume.

Joan Tortarolo, Highland, CA

Celeste Blue

Celeste blue Iridized???? Not by any definition I’ve seen.

Carol Ketchum, Genoa, NY