Jul 21, 2011

Fenton's Violets in the Snow

Fenton Silver Crest
Violets in the Snow Vase
by MyMilkGlassShop
To continue my series on Fenton Silver Crest, this week I will discuss the decoration, Violets in the snow (VITS). VITS is the first Louise Piper decoration, and was first seen on Silver Crest in 1968.

Louise Piper is a renowned Fenton artist who came to the company in 1968 and was a beloved fixture in the decorating rooms - many artists expanded their skills under Louise's tutelage.  Fenton glassware with Louise's name on it are highly sought after and extremely collectible.

Louise's gorgeous decoration of delicate purple flowers graces more than the Silver Crest line, and first appears on Spanish Lace in 1974. VITS was discontinued by the end of 1984.

The hardest to find pieces include the ashtray, the candy box, the table and classic lamp, the pitcher, and the square planter.

This glassware makes a stunning, everyday decoration. I'm especially fond of the Silver Crest Violets in the Snow Handled Bon Bon, which I use to offer small treats on the coffee table.

It is with a sad heart that I end this article w/the notation that Fenton will be shutting down its main furnace and discontinuing its traditional glassmaking business.  We are witnessing the end of an era and the disappearance of US made decorative glassware.

7 comments:

Unknown said...

Lovely and informative article. Sad to hear Fenton is closing.

jen said...

How nice to see my Fenton featured! What a great article!

Bevy said...

Thank you for your article...it was nice to learn a little more about Fenton Glass. I have always loved it and have a collection of goblets. But none of these pieces....will have to be on the look out in my travels. SOOOOOO sad about Fenton closing...certainly is an end of an era.

Nachokitty.etsy.com said...

How sad Fenton is closing. I never knew about Louise Piper. Glad to learn about something new to keep my eyes open for!

Nora-transient*treasures said...

Fabulous post, as always. The end of Fenton art glass production is a cause for mourning...however...it might drive prices UP. (good for sellers)

Suzanne@threepeats said...

One more piece of our history passing away,,,but there will be something to replace it that people will be collecting for the next hundred years! That's what I love about vintage. There is "more" of it all the time.

Anonymous said...

Sad to hear that Fenton had shut down its main furnace and discontinued making traditional glassware (silvercrests my favorite). It was a privilege to have toured the factory in 1989 and actually purchased several silvercrests from their gift store (including a heart shape candy dish painted with blue flowers signed by artist V. Gherke and she signed my name on the dish). I still collect and use silvercrests to this day. Thank you for your helpful info. about VITS.