Corning Glass Works and Museum of Glass: A Legacy of Innovation and Artistry

Founded in 1851, Corning Glass Works has been at the forefront of glass and ceramics manufacturing for over 165 years. The company’s early contributions to the glass industry were revolutionary, including producing the first light bulbs for Thomas Edison’s electric lamps and developing Pyrex ovenware. This high-quality, design-led company is renowned for blending technology, function, and aesthetics, making it a cornerstone of the applied and decorative arts.

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Pyrex: A Design Revolution

In 1913, Corning introduced Pyrex, a heat-resistant glass that transformed kitchenware. Pyrex was revolutionary because it could withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for cooking and serving. After World War II, Corning expanded and redesigned the Pyrex range to make it suitable for kitchen and dining room use, pioneering the “oven-to-table” concept. This innovation epitomized the blend of functionality and aesthetics, as the clear glass forms were considered modern additions to domestic tableware.

Pyrocream: The Evolution of Functional Aesthetics

In 1953, Corning perfected Pyrocream, a material that, while glass, resembled bone china and could endure extreme temperature variations. Commercially introduced in 1958, this new generation of oven-to-table ware appealed to consumers who desired superior ceramic aesthetics with the practicality of Pyrex. While purists favoured the clear glass of Pyrex, Pyrocream represented a harmonious blend of technology and design, appealing to a broader audience.

Art Glass and the Steuben Division

Corning’s commitment to art glass was cemented in 1918 when it acquired Frederick Carder’s Steuben Glass. Under John Montieth Gates’ direction in the 1930s, the Steuben division began producing high-grade crystal forms engraved with designs by prominent artists such as Henri Matisse, Jean Cocteau, and Eric Gill. This collaboration between art and technology was repeated in the 1950s with contributions from artists like Graham Sutherland, John Piper, and Lawrence Whistler, further enhancing Corning’s reputation for design excellence.

The Corning Museum of Glass: Preserving and Celebrating Glassmaking

Established in 1951 by Corning Glass Works, the Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG) is a non-profit institution dedicated to preserving and expanding the world’s understanding of glass. Initially housing 2,000 objects and a research library, the museum has grown into a comprehensive collection with nearly 50,000 objects representing 3,500 years of glass history. The museum offers exhibits, demonstrations, classes, residencies, and scholarships, serving as a global hub for glass artistry and education.

Resilience and Renewal: Overcoming Adversity

In 1972, tropical storm Agnes caused devastating flooding at the museum, submerging it under five feet of water. The recovery effort was monumental, with staff and conservators meticulously restoring each glass object and library book. The museum reopened shortly after, and by 1978, it had expanded with a new addition designed by Gunnar Birkerts, ensuring resilience against future flooding.

Modern Growth and Innovation

The Corning Museum of Glass has continued to expand, adding The Studio in 1996 and undergoing significant renovations in 2001. These enhancements included a new Sculpture Gallery, a Hot Glass Show demonstration stage, and an Innovation Center. The museum’s latest expansion, a 100,000-square-foot wing designed by Thomas Phifer, opened in 2015, further cementing CMoG’s status as a premier institution for contemporary glass art.

Sources

The Corning Museum of Glass. (n.d.). Growth and renovations. Retrieved from https://www.cmog.org/sites/default/files/Museum%20History%20Fact%20Sheet_0.pdf

The Illustrated Dictionary of Twentieth Century Designers. (1991). United Kingdom: B. Mitchell.

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