In Larry Freeman’s 1956 book dealing with the popularity of iridescent glass, Iridescent Glass, the Introduction is written by Frederick Carder. Thought it might be a unique statement from Mr. Carder and be of interest.

I have lived to see colored glass come and go three times in contemporary fashion–twice while associated with English glass firms, once in America with Steuben. As a lover of colored glass for table use and art wares, I expect to see its return in contemporary taste yet again. The vogue for colored iridescent glass, sparkled by Tiffany’s FAVRILLE and our AURENE, developed in the early years of the present century. It was handmade and involved costly metals and much skilled labor. This appealed to a discriminating clientele among the wealthy. Soon, however, other hustling American and European firms flooded the market with cheap artificially iridized glass. I once bought such a piece for a few pennies, because I liked its reddish color; I set it in the window and in a few days the coating had deteriorated almost completely! Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery; but these crude, harsh-colored products for the five and dime stores brought an end to the vogue. When the maid could possess iridescent glass as well as her mistress, the latter promptly lost interest in it. I am pleased to have lived long enough to see iridescent glass come into favor among antique collectors. I hope they will collect with discrimination and taste, and that this book may aid them.
Frederick Carder

Interesting counterpoint to the newsletter with Carder quote from Dean Six,
Curator, West Virginia Museum of Glass.

I think Carders assessment of the demise of high end iridescent glass is over simplified and largely incorrect historically. The indication is that WW I limiting materials for use in glass coloring AND a concurrent turn from more flashy Victorian glass and ALL decorative arts to plainer, simpler design does not support his theory. I can think of no factual basis for his conclusion and a great deal of info to other explanations

From Peter Bennett of Rochester, NY.
Hardly a rousing endorsement; “this may aid them”. I doubt Mr. Carder ever gave high praise easily.
Cool dude.
Pete Bennett
——Original Document—-
From: Alan Shovers [mailto:ashovers@kddk.com]
Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2008 11:30 AM
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: Carder Steuben Club Gazelle Gazette 11/4/08 Mr. Carder’s words
In Larry Freeman’s 1956 book dealing with the popularity of iridescent glass, Iridescent Glass, the Introduction is written by Frederick Carder. Thought it might be a unique statement from Mr. Carder and be of interest.

I have lived to see colored glass come and go three times in contemporary fashion–twice while associated with English glass firms, once in America with Steuben. As a lover of colored glass for table use and art wares, I expect to see its return in contemporary taste yet again. The vogue for colored iridescent glass, sparkled by Tiffany’s FAVRILLE and our AURENE, developed in the early years of the present century. It was handmade and involved costly metals and much skilled labor. This appealed to a discriminating clientele among the wealthy. Soon, however, other hustling American and European firms flooded the market with cheap artificially iridized glass. I once bought such a piece for a few pennies, because I liked its reddish color; I set it in the window and in a few days the coating had deteriorated almost completely! Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery; but these crude, harsh-colored products for the five and dime stores brought an end to the vogue. When the maid could possess iridescent glass as well as her mistress, the latter promptly lost interest in it. I am pleased to have lived long enough to see iridescent glass come into favor among antique collectors. I hope they will collect with discrimination and taste, and that this book may aid them.
Frederick Carder