“The Allure of Glass is Back” by Peter Wade

“Something happened this past decade in the glass collecting marketplace that we may all have missed. It’s hard to see when you’re only in one regional market area and unable to observe the whole picture. I’m beginning to believe an exciting change in glass collecting is taking place.

The collectible market for glass has been in a long slide as values have been correcting downward for some time now. Much of this has been the result of ‘cashing out’ amongst baby boomer collectors in the midst of retirement and downsizing. More and more, large collections have been appearing at auctions as these retirements are forcing beautiful glass specimens back into the general market. What has been unseen are all of the small collections that have been showing up, especially at estate sales. This is binging excitement back into glass collection. There are real treasures to be found.

I don’t think the downsizing is, by any means, over. We’ll see more of it especially during the 2020s decade. But, I think a turn in the marketplace is starting to occur as I observe more frequent opportunities to acquire high quality, beautiful glass that’s affordable.

I’m seeing younger collectors buying at sales and a changing interest in the glass being collected. High-end art glass with recognizable names will continue strong, but good, undamaged pieces are hard to come by. A lot of glass will be lost due to mishandling and misunderstanding of what it is. This is especially true for unsigned pieces where where you need experience and knowledge to recognize it.”

“Glass is fascinating to behold. The play of light and color as it is refracted through glass is eye-catching and beautiful. The refraction is always changing and moving. Glass is actually a form of liquid. Combine these aspects with good design and it’s little wonder why it excels as an artistic decorative. I don’t think this will ever change.