Definitive Book on Frederick Carder Published

Rockwell Museum

Corning,. NY

607.937.5386

www.stny.lrun.com/RockwellMuseum

Definitive Book on Frederick Carder Published

An indispensable reference of great significance to scholars and collectors of Steuben glass is now taking its place among important books on American art and artists. Just released in 1998, Frcderick Carder and Steuben Glass: American Classics is the definitive reference book on the life and works of Frederick Carder, a pioneer of modern art-glass manufacture. The book's groundbreaking critical essays reveal the significance of Carder's contributions. Lavishly illustrated, it includes nearly 500 color photos of Carder's work, including many newly discovered pieces, and over 700 black and white images. The book's publication this fall coincides with the 135th anniversary of Carder's birth.

Initiated by the Rockwell Museum's membership and support group, the Friends of Carder, the book was written by the world's leading authority on Carder and Steuben glass, Thomas P. Dimitroff. Essays on specific facets of Carder's career were contributed by Charles R. Hajdamach, Robert F. Rockwell III, and Jane Shadel Spillman. Robyn G. Peterson, Curator of Collections at the Rockwell Museum in Corning, New York, served as general editor and project
manager for the book. The museum houses the world's most comprehensive collection of early Steuben glass.

The Friends of Carder provide support and funding assistance for glass activities at the Rockwell Museum. Each September, the museum holds an auction of this opulent glass, with proceeds from recent years' auctions dedicated to producing this critical scholarly work. The Friends of Carder are very active in the auctions as both donors and bidders.

The authors' passion for their subject is evident. Two decades of planning, research, and writing went into the project. Each contributor is an expert with special interest in the works of Carder. Thomas P. Dimitroff is a historian, collector, and Honorary Curator of the Carder collection at the Rockwell Museum. Jane Shadel Spillman is Curator of American Glass at The Corning Museum of Glass. Charles R. Hajdamach is Principal Museum Officer at the Broadfield House Glass Museum in West Midlands, England. Robert F. Rockwell III is a collector and a member of the family that provided the initial collection of Carder glass for the Rockwell Museum.

Much work has gone into researching previously unpublished information, including the early yeats of Carder's glassmaking career, Carder's later studio period, previously unpublished drawings, and recently discovered objects from Carder's brilliant body of work. The book provides a critical look at Carder's place in the history of the art of glass and offers a definitive picture of the man and his work. This volume is destined to become the quintessential reference book on Frederick Carder.

The legacy of legendary glass artist Frederick Carder is in the magnificent pieces he created and the enduring success of the company he established. A contemporary of Tiffany and Galle, he and partner T.G. Hawkes cofounded the Steuben Glass Works in 1903. Lured by the opportunity to implement his vision as artistic director of the fledgling company, Carder left his native England for Steuben County in upstate New York. Named for its geographic home, Steuben Glass has become acclaimed throughout the world for exceptional works in glass, often presented as America's gift to heads-of-state on important occasions.

Carder's prolific career spanned much of his 100-year life. Innovative experimentation with glassmaking techniques produced myriad results including iridescent surfaces, murky translucence, and saturated colors. When the Steuben Glass Works became part of Corning Glass Works in 1918, he contributed his talents to both companies and continued to promote excellence in design development.

Frcderick Carder and Steuben Glass: American Classics was published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd. Copies can be ordered by contacting the Rockwell Museum.

From top to bottom: Cover of Frederick Carder and Steuben Glass: American Classics; Decorated Gold Aurene vases, c. 1905-1912; Rosaline, Light Blue Jade and Green Jade stemware, 1920s, Gold Aurene vase, c. 1925-1929; Steuben Cintra vase; Gold Aurene luminor with cast figure, c. 1925-29; Gold Aurene perfumes and cosmetic jar, c. 1913.

Please click on thumbnail images bordered by a red line to see enlargements.

This page was originally published 10/12/98 in Resource Library Magazine. Please see Resource Library's Overview section for more information. rev. 11/28/11

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