Frederic Carder and Steuben Glass Presentation

Most people are familiar with Tiffany, and with Steuben Glass, and with the beautiful pieces associated with both names, fewer are familiar with the name “Frederic Carder,” and his connection to both companies.

On Sunday, November 16^th, from 2:00-4:00 PM, the Cranford Historical Society will present “Frederic Carder and Steuben Glass” with presenter Vic Bary,  at The Crane-Phillips House Museum at 124 North Union Avenue in Cranford.

Many recognize the name Louis Comfort Tiffany, and are familiar with his company’s turn of the century art glass creations.  The name, in fact, has become synonymous with beautiful lamps, vases, and glass creations.   But the name of Frederic Carder, the founder of Steuben Glass, may not be as well recognized.  Carder was a contemporary of Tiffany, and undoubtedly his biggest competitor.  At one point, Tiffany filed what turned out to be an unsuccessful lawsuit against Carder, charging him with “theft of intellectual property,” or stealing his ideas.   While both artists exhibited a range of talents, Carder, unlike Tiffany, sometimes actually physically participated in the glass blowing of some of the creations he designed.

Presenter Vic Bary, a Cranford Historical Society Trustee and art glass collector, will speak about Frederic Carder and Steuben Glass, and exhibit some examples of Carder’s Art Nouveau glass, as well as other visuals. Bary has previously presented on the Art Glass of Louis Tiffany, as well as competitors Quezal and Durand, for the Cranford Historical Society.

Admission to the presentation is free, but space is limited, so advance reservations are required. (This program, about art GLASS,  is, not surprisingly, NOT recommended for children.) To reserve your seat, please call the Historical Society’s office at 908-276-0082 or email cranfordhistoricalsociety@verizon.net .