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Glass Mall => Glass News => Topic started by: aa on October 10, 2011, 04:44:50 PM

Title: Steuben Closes
Post by: aa on October 10, 2011, 04:44:50 PM

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/15/steuben-glass-factory-and-store-to-close/

Another legendary factory disappears owing to recessionary pressure.

We live in a world where a generation is growing up thinking that a vase is something that you get from Ikea for £10.

Title: Re: Steuben Closes
Post by: Max on October 10, 2011, 08:32:12 PM

Wow...it's hard to believe a massive name like that could go under.  It's a deep, dark recession alright.   :-\ :cry:

Title: Re: Steuben Closes
Post by: Ivo on October 11, 2011, 08:18:10 AM

I've never seen Steuben glass for sale anywhere, not in Europe and not in major cities in the States - I am also not aware of an aftermarket or collectors. I think that would bring down any producer in the end.

Title: Re: Steuben Closes
Post by: rosieposie on October 11, 2011, 01:45:03 PM

I see a lot of Steuben glass for sale on eBay USA....but it is so expensive, especially the hand coolers....little crystal animals....molded glass that is way overpriced.  I would buy one of everything if they were affordable, but their price does not reflect the workmanship entailed in producing each one, and they are not yet rare enough to command a high price through scarcity. Here is an example:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STEUBEN-Crystal-Rabbit-Handcooler-Lloyd-Atkins-/360395349929

Art glass produced by a glass blower on the other hand, is a one off work of art and as such should rightly command a price that reflects the work and expertise employed,  but mass producing little crystal animals, does, in my opinion, reduce these to the equivalent of the £10 Ikea vase.

Title: Re: Steuben Closes
Post by: Max on October 11, 2011, 02:35:45 PM

I dunno, Lalique seems to do ok...perhaps they're better at marketing. 

Title: Re: Steuben Closes
Post by: rosieposie on October 11, 2011, 03:08:34 PM

Here is another to illustrate my point:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-STEUBEN-art-glass-crystal-MOUSE-BOX-NIB-cat-bird-/110756337126

And I agree wholeheartedly, Lalique do seem to do well.....but maybe the demise of Steuben will make them sit up and see.

I'm afraid I am not a big lover of overpriced items just because the rich and famous buy them.  I would rather support the true artists,  or, when able, pick up an overpriced piece for a song!!

I'm off to the old air raid shelter now before I get all the flack!! :wsh:

Title: Re: Steuben Closes
Post by: Ivo on October 11, 2011, 04:32:17 PM

Good to hear.
My only Steuben piece is a sleeping puppies hand warmer.  Some damage, but still a fab piece qualitywise and designwise (the last word does not ring well, does it - should I hyphenate-wise it?).

Title: Re: Steuben Closes
Post by: rosieposie on October 11, 2011, 05:36:02 PM

A hyphen is optional here Ivo!  :)  However, the puppy(http://serve.mysmiley.net/animals/animal0002.gif) (http://www.mysmiley.net)   is a hand cooler, not a warmer.
Did you mean 'good to hear' I am off to the air raid shelter?  Do you know something I don't? :help:

Title: Re: Steuben Closes
Post by: Ivo on October 11, 2011, 05:42:47 PM

Good to hear these things are seriously overpriced <broad grin>

Title: Re: Steuben Closes
Post by: Frank on October 11, 2011, 11:21:57 PM

Steuben seemed to rely on 'reputation', PR, and selling via large numbers of catalogues... they maintained their reputation by producing high end limited editions that are hyped over the hill but did include remarkable work. I guess people would get the catalogue one week showing the best work at prices they could not reach, next week came a catalogue with almost affordable pieces and they just bought as they remained in awe. Who will buy the name, someone in China?

Title: Re: Steuben Closes
Post by: johnphilip on January 09, 2012, 05:21:05 PM

Well i am still looking for that piece by Frederick Carder .  $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Title: Re: Steuben Closes
Post by: Frank on January 10, 2012, 01:59:43 AM

Mostly sells on eBay unrecognised for peanuts.

Title: Re: Steuben Closes
Post by: rosieposie on January 10, 2012, 11:46:18 AM

What piece by Carder JP ? and where can I find it for peanuts Frank?  Professorpeanuts hasn't got one for sale, although does have some nice glass!
Rosie. :)

Title: Re: Steuben Closes
Post by: johnphilip on January 10, 2012, 05:10:11 PM

Any piece Rosie and i would give a lot of nuts for it , so would others i know .