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A Purple/Mauve Colourway Mandarin Circular Fused Glass Plate

Offered by: Ken Bolan Studio

Description
A Purple/Mauve Colourway Mandarin Circular Fused Glass Plate by Michael and Frances Higgins USA 1957-1965

“The Higgins studio, home of “Modern Miracles with everyday glass” was founded in 1948 by Michael and Frances Higgins.”

The two designers met at the Chicago Institute of Design, and became pioneers in the rediscovery and refinement of the ancient art of glass fusing which, by the mid-twentieth century had been virtually abandoned and replaced with glass blowing.

The term ‘fusing’ is where one piece of enamel-coated glass has a design created on it by freehand drawing with coloured enamels or piecing with glass segments. Another piece of enamelled glass is then placed over the top of this. Once placed on a mold, the object is then heated. Whilst under this heat, the glass “slumps” to the shape of the mold causing the design to be fused between the outer glass pieces.
Extra layers in addition can then add to the texture of the piece and the complexities of colour.

The Higgins Studio began from the Higgins’ Chicago apartment where they had installed kilns behind the sofa. Visually vibrant and exciting items such as crockery were transformed with geometric and curved lines. With these pieces being offered as “an exclamation point in your decorating scheme”, the complexity and practicality that Higgins glassware offered, appealed to many buyers.

With long, hard-working hours, split into shifts, Michael and Francis began appealing to major retailers such as Marshall Field’s, Georg Jensen, and Bullock’s Wilshire meaning they would move to more functional surroundings which they did in 1957, after forming a partnership with Dearborn Glass Company of Chicago. ‘Higginsware’ became a national name with the help of Dearborn’s.

They created a full range of pieces from lamps and ashtrays, to candleholders, Rondelays. (These fused glass circles and squares designed to attach in sections, for use as room dividers, window treatments, and other décor applications, are still staples of the Higgins Studio today) clocks, tables and Christmas ornaments to name but a few.

Michael and Frances Higgins elected to return to private studio work in 1966 where they were free to be creative and set their own standards which took them to the Higgins Glass Studio at Riverside, Illinois.

Michael died in 1999, Frances in 2004 but their work continues under the ownership and direction of longtime design associates Louise and Jonathan Wimmer who were trained in the same techniques by Michael and Frances and now teach other upcoming designers in these methods.

Today, Higgins Glass, at 33 East Quincy Street, is part of the Riverside fabric of life.

Information sourced from Higgins Glass Studio (https://higginsglass.com/about/)

More Information

In the Style of:	Higgins Glass Studio
Origin:	United States
Period:	1950-1979
Materials:	Fused Glass
Condition:	Good.
Creation Date:	1957-1965
Styles / Movements:	Modern, Art Glass
Patterns:	Geometric
Dealer Reference #:	L4993
Incollect Reference #:	669048