Steuben Glass

A classic art glass producer hailing from Corning, New York, Steuben Glass Works enjoyed over a century as one of the most celebrated American glass creators. Established by American glassmaker Frederick Carder and Englishman Thomas G. Hawkes in 1903, Steuben reflected the merger of old European craftsmanship and American innovation.

As artistic director for the brand, Carder prided himself on experimentation in his designs. Manipulating surface effects from etching to iridescence, Carder created pieces that were classically inspired and also channeled contemporary trends, like the Art Nouveau aesthetic. This ability to merge cutting-edge design with classic craftsmanship resulted in art glass that was both breathtaking and of a collector's caliber.

This pursuit of modern design continued under director Arthur Houghton, Jr., who took leadership of the company in 1933. Like many of the era's great glassmakers, Steuben's profits suffered during the Great Depression, but Houghton's keen business acumen guided Steuben back into popularity. His success was in his ability to develop new lines that responded to modernism, from the Gazelle bowl, created by modern sculptor Sidney Waugh, to their Balustrade line, which echoed the clean architectural form.

Quick Facts

• Queen Elizabeth II received several Steuben pieces as gifts for her marriage to Prince Philip in 1947 including candlesticks and a covered glass dish
• Steuben had the honor of creating Cinderella's glass slipper, currently housed at Walt Disney World's Cinderella Castle Suite in Orlando, Florida
• Though Steuben shut down in 2011, 2014 marked the re-release of some of Steuben's classic designs produced for sale at the Corning Museum of Glass