While the factory is no longer making art glass, you can watch the glass beads being made and painted. If you collect any type of glass, you will find the the Museum to be very interesting. The staff is extremely knowledgeable about Fenton glass and are happy to assist with any questions you may have. There is still lots of beautiful glass for sale; but I'm sure this will not be the case for much longer.
This was my second visit to Fenton and all of the glass is very appealing to the eye. There were so many options to pick from but you had to limit yourself. I could have easily left there and spent $200 or more but I picked wisely. The staff was nice and helpful. I'm planning on going there again soon.
After 100+ years of producing hand- made art glass from this glass works in Williamstown, West Virginia, this iconic factory and historic company is closing down very soon, at the end of 2011, permanently. Perhaps a victim of the devastating economic conditions here (and many other places), the once famous Plant Tours are done now. There is nothing to see. Cold furnaces and deserted paint shops.We came for the 'tent sale' around July 15, 2011. It was very disappointing. I got a yellow glass frog; the wife got some cheap Xmas glass. I thought the stuff was overpriced.There was a separate row of tables of chinese- made glass items which we looked at out of curiosity and then dismissed.We have been here before, and took the tour, and bought souvenir shoes and some Dave Fetty hand crafted originals in the private indoor collection, back a couple of years ago. The atmosphere here now is one of despair, and who can blame them? We didn't even go into the gift shop this time. It was all too sad. There is just no reason to come here any more.
Just a beautiful factory that used to make hand blown, hand painted glass. What a shame that such beautiful craftsmanship is gone. Used to be able tour and watch the glassblowers create.
They have stopped production but still have glass for sale. Lovely to look at, but very expensive
On a recent road trip along route 77 north I took a side trip to find the Fenton Glass Factory near Parkersburg West Virginia. There are plenty of road signs to direct you to the building. However, once I arrived it was abandoned. Located in a residential area of town, off the main road. The parking lots were all empty and overgrown. The doors were locked. No signs of life, except for a police cruiser parked in one of the empty lots. I asked the officer about the place. He said it has not been occupied for a long time. The last time he had to go inside the building on a call, it was deserted and abandoned. There is a website that says they still give demonstrations on bead making and the gift shop offers some items. You wouldn't know it by being on the site in broad daylight. Don't bother going out of your way to see this place unless you like to look at the outside of an old brick building, and overgrown parking lots. You could probably find what you are looking for on line or at your local Pandora dealer.
The tour is free. You see collector glass items being made from being hand blown, formed, finishes, and put in ovens for the finish. The tour allows you to ask questions as well seeing old glass from times way past. The store offers perfect items and some seconds, all at cheaper than speciality stores.
The Fenton glass company was wonderful. I was certainly aware of this beautiful glass but hah no idea that it was located a very short distance from our hotel. You get to see the artist at work and they have a hugh selection of glass ware to purchase.
Though Fenton Art Glass Co. ceased traditional glassmaking in 2011, they continue to use more than a century of glassmaking expertise and skill to create beautiful, handcrafted art glass jewelry. A limited tour of the beadmaking dept. is available upon request. As the company winds down the remaining factory "traditional glass" inventory, handpainted glass is still available and other items are marked at 60-70% discount in the Fenton Gift Shop. The "majority" of the glass in the shop was made at the Williamstown, WV factory. There are also some limited editions and one-of-a-kind pieces offered in the shop as well as on eBay. There is a video of the company history as well.
My family members have apparently purchased Fenton Glass items for many years. We have many pieces going back to my great-grandmother. I have toured the plant in the past and then stopped in the gift shop to purchase items. However this time, I was shocked to find out that the company has shut down production and is selling off all items. I guess I missed the memo. This stop was very depressing.