Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Charles Sweigart of Reinholds, Pennsylvania gives his view on damage.

Thirty years ago I bought a red Tiffany vase missing 20% of the foot for $100. It could stand up on its own without the missing part so when placed in a cabinet with the defect facing away it is hardly noticed. It is as rare and beautiful as the day it was made except it is no longer whole. I also have always admired the statue of Venus de Milo as a beautiful work of art. Other glass collectors would never in a million years want my imperfect vase. I suppose when they view Venus, they only perceive her as a woman with no arms. As objects get older they become more difficult to find in perfect condition to acquire. Collectors will then accept more imperfections in order to own less common examples.

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2012 Carder Steuben Club annual Symposium will be held at The Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY from September 20-22, 2012.