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Robert E. Martens – United Carbon Man and Other Works 1938-1953

More than a decade after his death, The Purple Moon will be presenting a very rare offering of sculptures by Charleston artist and architect Robert E. Martens.

Robert E. Martens was born in Illinois in 1919 but lived most of his life in Charleston, West Virginia. Martens studied architecture at Yale University and at the Cranbrook Academy of Art under Eliel Saarinen. Martens went to work for the Charleston firm of Martens and Son Architects with his father, Walter Frederick Martens, who designed several local landmarks, including the Governor’s Mansion.

In his career, the younger Martens designed such buildings as the United Carbon Building, the original portion of the Charleston Civic Center and Alderson-Broaddus College.

His work on the United Carbon Building (now Boulevard Towers) created a landmark in Charleston where Robert Martens’ sculptures still grace the entry portico on Kanawha Boulevard – including From the Fullness of the Earth (United Carbon Man).

Martens joined his father’s firm specifically in connection with the United Carbon Building commission. At that time Robert was attending the famed Cranbrook Academy which was at the peak of its influence and creative energy. A model for the building was created by Robert at Cranbrook, under the supervision of Eliel and Eero Saarinen. The staff at Cranbrook was also involved in the design and production of furnishings for the building.

The show of Robert Martens’ sculptures at The Purple Moon from the Robert Price Collection presents works spanning the period of 1938 to 1953 and include a 1941 bronze bust of the United Carbon Man. There are also sculptures which appear to have last been shown in a one man show of the artists’ work in 1955 at Woodrum’s Department Store.

In addition to the sculptures by Martens, The Purple Moon will also present rare original photographs of the United Carbon Building by Internationally-acclaimed architectural photographer Jean St. Thomas. These photographs, taken just as the building was opened in 1941, offer a rare glimpse into the modern design sensibilities of the original interior and furnishings of this exceptional Charleston building.

The show opens with a reception at The Purple Moon on Thursday, September 17th as part of the Downtown Charleston ArtWalk from 5pm – 8pm. Music will be provided by Tofujitsu.

The Purple Moon is located at 906 Quarrier Street in Downtown Charleston and hours of operation are Tuesday – Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Blenko West Virginia Birthday Pieces – 1984 & 1985


1984 Blenko West Virginia Birthday Piece – #12 of 121

Blenko Glass first issued their West Virginia Birthday commemorative pieces in 1980 producing one piece for each year of statehood. Since then, each year on June 20th, collectors from throughout the country have made the annual pilgrimage to West Virginia to try to obtain one of these limited edition masterpieces.

I’ve had two of these pieces before – for the years 1995 and, most recently, 2000. This past week I acquired the two shown here and these 1984 and 1985 pieces are now available for sale at The Purple Moon. These pieces were designed by Don Shepherd and signed by him (DS) and each is also signed by William Blenko and marked for the year and the issuance number in the limited edition.

While the modern lady and I have an extensive personal Blenko collection we largely focus on Blenko pieces produced prior to 1963 and decided not to keep the West Virginia pieces we are able to locate and acquire.


1985 Blenko West Virginia Birthday Piece – #69 of 122

These pieces are rarely available for sale and we are proud to be able to offer them at this time.

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Popsies from Pride Creations – 1960’s


Popsies by Pride Creations – circa 1965

These fabulous figurines were produced in Japan for Pride Creations beginning in 1963.  With a host of different characters – each with a generally sarcastic message which “popped” out of their heads when they were pushed down – these little guys were gone by the end of the decade.

I located these two beauties today in the mountains of West Virginia. While sightings are rare, they do occur, and are always welcome when they do. Keep your eyes peeled and maybe you can get a glimpse of one yourself.


Smoker Popsie


Devil Popsie

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A (Last?) Visit to Blenko

As stories, and more often rumors, of Blenko Glass Company’s future seem to change almost daily I made what I hope is not my last trip to the Milton factory today. I’ve been visiting the Blenko Visitor Center since its opening in 1966 and being there is always like going home. The mood there today was somber and the patrons we saw were quietly gathering select pieces to take home – to keep and to remember.

The Modern Lady and I picked up a few pieces as well, as we have on virtually every other trip there, though this time it was different and seemed very final and sad. I am still hoping this is not the end. For that answer we all just have to wait – but today just the thought that it might be was enough.

I’m trying to not mourn the loss of this great glassmaker yet but I suppose I am getting prepared for that outcome.

If you haven’t yet made a trip, or if it has been awhile, stop by. There’s still a good amount of inventory and the building itself (which was designed by Ray Zando, Ken Martin and Monty Milstead who left Martens & Son in 1959 to form their own architecture and engineering firm) is a worth a visit. Here are some shots I got today to tempt you.


The Modern Lady peering out as I carry our puchases to the car

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Blenko Glass – Collectors Should Wait for the Fat Lady to Sing


Blenko #585 Mulberry Pitcher – Wayne Husted – 1958 – View #1

Blenko Glass, a world renowned glass producer and one of West Virginia’s most famous businesses, announced to workers Friday afternoon, Jan. 30, 2009, that production had ceased. As rumors of financial difficulties have been in the wind for quite some time, and the company made some major leadership changes in the past year, this move came as no real surprise to anybody who had been paying attention.

With any luck this will not be the end of Blenko and hope still remains throughout West Virginia that it will not be. As the Charleston Daily Mail says in it’s editorial today, “With Blenko, it isn’t over until it’s over. Here’s hoping for the best.” I think this is the sentiment of every citizen in the state and Blenko collectors throughout the world.

The Blenko gift shop in Milton is still operating as of today. In fact, it has been reported that crowds were huge over the weekend and sales were brisk as people flocked to pick up remaining pieces of current inventory. While I’m certain many were collectors making sure they got pieces before they were gone I would venture to guess others were simply trying to “stock up” on the hope that prices would skyrocket. This happened when Fenton glass announced their closure in August of 2007 and prices temporarily soared only to go back to normal after the closure was avoided and the Williamstown, WV factory continued production.

As my primary interest in Blenko Glass is in their “Golden Age” pieces from the 1950’s and 60’s I did not make a beeline down I-64 this weekend to pick at what may not yet prove to be a carcass. Instead, I ran my usual route of places to find quality, vintage Blenko and managed to acquire a piece which had alluded me for a long time.

The #585 pitcher shown here was designed by Wayne Husted. The Mulberry color of this pierce-handled pitcher is highly sought after by collectors as it was only produced in 1958. This piece is one of Husted’s great designs and the pitcher I located in a local antique emporium is in fabulous condition.


Blenko #585 Mulberry Pitcher – Wayne Husted – 1958 – View #2

This time of crisis for the Blenko Glass Company will hopefully pass and the firm will keep producing high-quality, hand crafted glass for generations to come. That is certainly my sincere hope. Collectors of contempory pieces should pick up what they can (with the caveat that no one should be paying inflated prices as the final outcome of this situation is not yet known nor its impact on prices) and visit the Blenko gift shop. Surely every sale there will help keep the doors open if that is possible.

Avid collectors of vintage Blenko should, as always, keep their eye out for they pieces they are after – you never know when that perfect piece is going to surface – like the one I discovered this weekend.

But avoid dealers who are arbitrarily raising prices in light of these recent developments. For new pieces the true collectible value has yet to be established and for vintage pieces, long out of production, the news of Blenko’s woes doesn’t change supply one iota at this point. Ultimately, after the dust settles, demand could increase and impact prices but that has not yet been determined.

As was the case with Fenton just a few years ago, the fat lady has yet to sing and wise collectors are waiting for her song.

Here’s wishing for the best.

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The Glory of Ben Seibel Design


Iroquois Impromptu Frolic Pattern Coffee Server, Cup and Saucer & Plattter – Ben Seibel – 1956

American designer Ben Seibel’s eclectic and streamlined utilitarian dinnerware and household items are fun, functional and gorgeous – all qualities I’m always on the lookout for.

Seibel’s prolific period ran from the early 1950’s into the 1970’s. His Iroquois Impromptu line, shown here in Bridal White and the rare Frolic pattern,  Raymor’s Contepora line produced  by Steubenville and the Modern line by Roseville all directly competed against Russel Wright’s designs of the same period.


Iroquois Impromptu Bridal White Pattern Place Setting – Ben Seibel – 1956


Raymor Contempora Pitcher by Steubenville – Ben Seibel – circa 1950’s

The Duplex  line produced by Mikasa was introduced in the 1960’s and featured a more space-age design and bright, bold colors. I am particularly fond of the Samovars (shown below) which blend modern design with old European functionality.


Mikasa Duplex Samovars in Yellow and Pink – Ben Seibel – circa 1960’s

Also in the 1960’s Seibel designed a fabulous line of brass household items for Jenfred-Ware. The bookends and the hard-to-find cat bank shown here are highly sought by mid-century modern collectors.


Jenfred-Ware Bookends – Ben Seibel – circa 1960’s


Jenfred-Ware Cat Bank – Ben Seibel – circa 1960’s

Seibel designed for a variety of other companies as well during his career and many of his best and more scarce items are still being discovered and documented.  He’s one of designers from the mid-20th Century whose work will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

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Holiday Gift Guide – 1960’s Op Art Porcelain Vases


Porcelain Vases by Kaiser, Heinrich and Kaiser (from left to right) – W. Germany – circa 1960’s

These stunning porcelain vases are fabulous alone but look even better is small groupings. Produced by the masters of porcelain in the Bavarian region of West Germany in the 1960’s these bisque porcelain vases are typically hard-to-find in the United States.

The ones shown here are excellent examples of the Op Art and organic styles these vases are normally found in. The one on the left by Kaiser measures 12 inches tall and features a glorious bursting sun Op Art design. The center piece by Heinrich has a cabbage leave pattern and the one on the right, designed by one of the leading mid-century porcelain artists, M. Frey, for Kaiser has a spectacular cratered moon surface. All of these vases are glazed only on the inside to hold water while still retaining the outside bisque finish.

These vases usually run anywhere from $60 – $150 dollars with some designs going as high as $250. They are difficult to find in the United States however you sometimes can run across them at vintage shops and online. Most found online are being sold from Germany so shipping can be high and slow. The three shown here are currently available in our gallery.

These make wonderful gifts and you can pretty much rest assured the recipient won’t get another one like it.

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Lushpad – New Online Marketplace for Modern Collectors


Lushpad – New online marketplace for modern collectors

Looking for top-of-the-line modern furnishings, art and accessories online then go to Lushpad. This newly launched marketplace will make you salivate for all of the mid-century modern and contemporary goodies on sale there.

Just launched last August Lushpad already has a devoted group of higher-end sellers including The Purple Moon. You can see my listings here.

Simple, elegant and easy to navigate and use a stop by Lushpad should be in your future if you are as crazy about modern design as I am.

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Gems from The Mountain State – Blenko Decanters


Blenko Decanters #5933, #5815 and #6212 – Designed by Wayne Husted

Anyone who has visited my home, gallery or this website knows that I am passionate about West Virginia glass, in general, and especially Blenko Glass.  Decanters especially have always been appealing to me.

The designs of Winslow Anderson (1947 -53), Wayne Husted (1952 -63)  and Joel Myers (1963-70) stand out as some of the best Blenko has ever offered and is why I chose to feature the decanters by them pictured in this post. A number of these, like Anderson’s #920 and Husted’s #5815 have been elevated to being iconic of Blenko and also of the period in which they were produced.

The tall, slender stopper to the #5933 “Perfume Bottle” decanter is one of the most beautiful and this decanter is my most recent acquisition. The CW-6 decanter in the final photo was produced for Blenko’s Williamsburg Reproduction line between 1937 and 1966.

Shimmering, sleek and modern – vintage Blenko pieces are true gems from the Mountain State of West Virginia.


Blenko Decanter #5420 – Designed by Wayne Husted


Blenko Decanters #6516 and 6629 – Designed by Joel Myers


Blenko Decanters #6947 and #6819 – Designed by Joel Myers


Blenko Decanter #920 – Designed by Winslow Anderson with a Williamsburg Reproduction Line CW-6

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