The Nourot family still makes glass in Benicia, California, which, yes, is in the San Francisco area. There are many glass artists in Benicia, which is a village on the water that attracts many tourists. The Benicia Chamber of Commerce has a comprehensive website through which you can find the Nourots, including photos of their work and a history of the Nourot studio.
The founder of Nourot Glass, Michael Nourot, recently retired at age 63 due to health reasons, but he still visits the studio and occssionally helps out in the studio gallery and shop. Michael's wife Ann Corcoran and their son Nicholas Nourot continue to make glass. Many glass artists have worked at the studio. One thing about Nourot Glass is that it is always signed and had always been signed.
According to the website, Michael began making glass in 1974. His work can be beautiful, and he and his family did and still does a very large trade to tourists. Yours is a very early paperweight, but it does not have much value. Perhaps $10 to $20. Even a paperweight signed by Michael never appreciated in value. Norout always concentrated on abstract paperweights and has made thousands over the years. His most popular design is the bee hive paperweight, which is shaped like a conical bee hive. They can occssionally be found online for between $100 and $150. Yours is just a nice collectible. The Nourot Glass studio never opted for rarity or limited editions. It makes paperweights, vases, bowls, lamps, and sculptures.
Topic: Nourot 78 (Read 1668 times)
