Fenton Art Glass

Fenton Art Glass, located just across the Ohio River from Martin's Ferry, Ohio, has been making art glass since 1905. They are best known for as the first "Carnival Glass" manufacturer, a design that was heavily influenced by Tiffany and Steuben glass companies. In the 1903s, Fenton began making practical glass items, and their hobnail style glass from that period is very collectible.

History:

Fenton Art Glass was founded in 1905 by brothers Frank and John Fenton. Originally they painted glass from other sources, but began creating their own glass in 1907 when they were unable to buy the glass they needed. Later that year, Fenton was the first company to introduce what has come to be known as carnival glass.

Visiting Fenton Glass:

Fenton Art Glass is located about 2 1/2 hours from Cleveland in Williamstown, West Virginia, near Marietta. The factory has a museum and gift shop attached to it and visitors can take a factory tour.

The free tours are offered at 815am, 9am, 945am, 1130am, 1215pm, 1pm, and 145pm. The gift shop is open daily from 8am Monday-Saturday and from noon - 5pm on Sunday. Weekday closing times vary by season

The Future of Fenton Glass:

Fenton Art Glass announced in August of 2007 that it would be closing its factories. However, in December of that year, the company announced in a press release that "due to an unexpected buying frenzy," the company would stay open at least until spring of 2008. The future past that point is uncertain.

Contact Information:

Fenton Art Glass Gift Shop
420 Caroline Avenue
Williamstown, WV 26187
(304) 375-7772 or 1-800-319-7793

Hotels near Fenton Glass:

Hotels near Fenton Glass include several in Marietta, such as the historic Lafayette Hotel (check rates), overlooking the Ohio River and the Holiday Inn (check rates) and the Best Western (check rates), both of which are about one mile outside of downtown Marietta.

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