#475 Decanter – Blenko Glass – 1947
Before Winslow Anderson, Wayne Husted and Joel Myers were designing the glorious pieces during Blenko Glass’ “golden years” of the 1950’s and 60’s there was the time that has come to be known to some collectors as the “pre-designer” period. While really not true, as these pieces had to be designed by someone, it was prior to the hiring of a full-time industrial designer by the firm.
During this time most pieces were designed primarily by Richard Blenko Sr. along with his team of craftsmen. The sales department also played a role in developing items they believed would do well in the marketplace. Certainly the work coming out of the company prior to 1948 did not lack in style, imagination or beauty as can be seen in examples like the #475 decanter shown above.
#445HB Tumbler Set – Blenko Glass – 1944
With the hiring of Winslow Anderson and the appearance of his first designs in the 1948 catalog Blenko Glass certainly saw a change in direction towards a more Scandanavian look. However it was more of an evolution than a revolution as the strength of Blenko design was there even before the first “designer” arrived. Luckily, that evolution continues through today.
