Located in the town of Milton, West Virginia, the Blenko Glass Company is one of America’s oldest hand glass blowing companies. Family owned and operated since its founding in 1893, its high quality and beautiful products have a well-earned stellar reputation.
• The English immigrant William John Blenko, who specialized in glass for stained glass windows, first founded Blenko. In 1923, he chose to base himself in Milton because of the availability of steady and reliable labor and the cheapness of natural gas, a necessary ingredient for Old World style glass techniques.
• Later on, his son, William H. Blenko, realized during the Depression that the factory needed to expand their horizons in order to stay in business. Therefore, he trained the workers to make tableware and other glass items as well. This took off, and the name “Blenko” became associated with traditional American glassware.
Although Blenko has continued to make beautiful windows for Churches and institutions, it is more known for its household objects, such as tableware, Christmas ornaments, and other whimsical shapes. Each year, the company makes a special piece for West Virginia Day. This year, a beautiful fish sculpture was the “catch of the day.” The company offers tours and a gift shop for visitors. This Christmas, in our shop window, we are featuring some Blenko glass lamps and ornaments. However, come quickly, because these items are not available online and are special to Material Things! Other items of Blenko Glass can be found on their website here.
Designer Spotlight: Blenko Glass Company