Glass in Early America: Selections from the Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum [Hardcover]

Arlene Palmer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1993 | Series: A Winterthur book

A comprehansive study of glass made or used in America from the middle of the 17th century to the middle of the 19th centry. Opening with a survey of glassmaking in Europe and the colonies, the author provides a brief history of the acquisition of glass by Henry Francis du Pont whose massive 1500-piece collection at the Winterthur Museum is the basis for this book. Du Pont began collecting glass in 1919 and did so until his death in 1969. This volume covers drinking glasses, food service items, ornamental vases and desk accessories, lighting devices, bottles and flasks, and miscellaneouss items ranging from windowpanes to bird fountains. The objects are arranged according to function; nearly all are shown life-size; and the entry for each includes both a physical description and a brief history.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The collection of pre-1850 American and European glass in the Winterthur Museum is one of the most extensive in the United States. This catalog of 423 pieces, written by the former curator, shows the best of the collection. Introductory chapters give excellent histories of glassmaking in Europe and America and of the acquisition of the Winterthur collection. The entry for each piece gives a complete description, provenance, information about use, and a black-and-white photograph. The separate section of only 24 color plates is a little stingy, since a great deal of the visual interest of glass lies in the color. Black-and-white photographs don't do justice to a collection of this importance. Recommended for decorative arts collections.
Constance Ashmore Fairchild, Univ. of Illinois Lib., Urbana-Champaign
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Publisher

9 3/4 x 11 trim. 573 illus. (80 color). 10 figs. LC 93-32489

Product Details

• Hardcover: 435 pages
• Publisher: Winterthur; 1st edition (December 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 039303660X
• ISBN-13: 978-0393036602
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 10.1 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,143,428 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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