Art Glass expert, Louise Luther, authored a delightful book, Miller’s Art Glass: How to Compare & Value that I had an opportunity to reread this weekend. The text provides a great comparative text of all the major American & European art glass companies and includes coverage of the studio glass movement. Louise speaks of the three “remarkable men poised to produce the lustrous golden iridescent art glass that set the style of the 1900s.” LC Tiffany, Frederick Carder and Martin Bach. Then Louise selects pieces from all the major makers and besides providing a history, elaborately examines the elements that distinguish each makers works. I found particular interest in some of commentary on Mr. Carder’s works. In summary, Louise says:
1. Carder Steuben art glass commands the most attention from advanced collectors, with the possible exception of post World War II
2. Steuben glass color is a major value factor.
3. Few Steuben pieces appear with flaws or blemishes.
4. Steuben collectors won’t tolerate post production flaws, except in the rarest of pieces.

Yesterday I addressed Louise’s book, Art Glass: How to Compare & Value. I had some inquiries about where to acquire Louise’s book. I guess I was surprised that not everybody had this text. It’s a book worthy of anyone’s shelf. Anyhow, I believe I’ve seen it currently on the shelves of Barnes & Noble, so I assume it’s available at most popular bookstores. It is part of the Miller series of books. Anyhow, the book shows a copyright date of 2002. Louise was previously art glass director at Skinner’s and was frequently seen on the Antique Roadshow with that thick Boston accent. In her Glass Care Basics section a few comments are worth repeating. Like, light refraction is enhanced by the removal of dirt, dust and fingerprints. To remove really stuck-on dirt try gel toothpaste on an extra-soft brush. Keep glass away from strong, unfiltered sunlight. Anchor glass to display shelves with museum gel; not because of earthquakes, but just for your grandchildren’s vibrations. Never pick up your art glass by its handles. In the annealing process there may be tiny fractures or weaknesses.

The book is a great art glass primer.

Tommy Dreiling, a Club member from New York City, who works at Barnes and Noble adds the following info. & review.
Alan
Thanks for the Barnes & Noble mention. I buy the antique books for all the stores nation wide. I don’t have the book in all stores anymore because it’s an older title but it can be ordered at any store or at bn.com I like how inclusive the book is, it starts with cut glass and has every company that I can think of listed. And has great photos. I did notice one error though, at one place it lists some of the colors made at Steuben and it says Mandarin Orange instead of Mandarin Yellow!
Tommy