Honoring the Past in Modern Steuben
Jun 13, 2025
Issue 3751
A previous Gazelle Gazette shared a newspaper article originally published on June 22, 2003 in The Corning Leader, which focused on works that honor the sacrifices made during World War I and World War II. The second half of the article featured the Valor Cup designed in 1941 by John Monteith Gates.
Local historian and Steuben Glass expert Thomas Dimitroff wrote:
Arthur Houghton successfully persuaded his friend’s accomplished architect John Monteith Gates to join him at Steuben and in 1933 Gates became Steuben’s first managing director and director of design. One of his most famous creations was the Valor Cup designed in 1941. This piece is an excellent example of Steuben’s ability to create commemorative pieces of outstanding quality and importance. The Valor Cup was presented to the British War Relief Society as a commemoration of the Battle of Britain and a symbol of the United States’ support of the British. The cup or covered urn is of blown Steuben crystal. It rests upon a round pedestal and foot. A spectacular copper wheel engraving of the Royal Arms of Great Britain executed by Joseph Libisch adorns the side of the urn. Elaborate curving handles further decorate it. The cover is surmounted by an exquisite crown finial. Gaffer John Jansson made this masterpiece.
SEPTEMBER DATES
Be sure to keep these fall dates in mind as you plan your September activities. We’d love to have you join us in Corning!
- September 18 — Frederick Carder’s 162nd Birthday Celebration Dinner will take place at the Corning Country Club. More information and tickets will be available this summer.
- September 18-20 — The annual Carder Steuben Glass Association Symposium will be held at the Corning Museum of Glass. We have another exceptional program lined up for this year and hope you will join us.
SEEKING AUCTION ITEMS
We are now soliciting donations for this year’s Symposium auction. Proceeds of the auction support the Carder Steuben Glass Association website and our Steuben glass mission. The CSGA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and you will receive a tax receipt for your donation.
Some ideas that would work well as auction items include Carder Steuben glass, post-Carder Steuben glass, glass of the same era, or glass with relevance to Corning. Other items like books, New York state wine, or Frederick Carder items also make great auction entries. Please send item descriptions to President@steubenglass.org. If you are attending the Symposium you may bring the items with you, or they may be shipped in advance. Thank you so much for your support!
Gazelle Gazette Archive
Carder Steuben Glass Association
18-20 September 2025
