Rudolph Christmas Ornament. Handcrafted Fused Glass from the Higgins Studio.

Rudolph Christmas Ornament. Handcrafted Fused Glass from the Higgins Studio.  4” W x 6 ½” H

Though this ornament is not a vintage piece, it is hand-crafted from the same glass (they make their own glass) in the same pattern and style as when first produced midcentury by the Higgins Studio.  This will be a valued keepsake to unpack every Holiday Season for years to come.  With limited production, these pieces often sell-out each year.

The Higgins Studio was founded in 1948 by Michael and Frances Higgins, who were pioneers in the rediscovery and refinement of the ancient art of glass fusing.

Because it is so labor-intensive, fusing had, by the mid-twentieth century, been all but abandoned in favor of glass blowing. Essentially, fusing is the creation of a “glass sandwich”. On one piece of enamel-coated glass, a design is created, either drawn with colored enamels, or pieced with glass segments. Over this, another piece of enameled glass is laid. Placed on a mold, the object is then heated. Under heat, the glass “slumps” to the shape of the mold. The design itself is fused between the outer glass pieces, with additional layers often adding to the texture and color complexity.

In 1957, thanks to a partnership with Dearborn Glass Company of Chicago, the Higgins name received national exposure through Dearborn’s extensive, and heavily promoted, line of “Higginsware”.  Collecting vintage ‘Higginsware’ is a passion for many, who when spying a piece in a vintage store or market, can’t resist just one more platter, bowl, serving tray or even a butter dish or soap dish in that signature ‘Higginsware’ style.  

The Higgins designed everything from lamps and ashtrays to candleholders.  Highly desirable are their Rondelays, fused glass circles and squares designed to attach in sections, for use as room dividers, window treatments, and other decorative applications The richly varied output of the Higgins Studio has also included, at one point or another, clocks, bookends, paperweights, tables, Christmas ornaments, jewelry, wall plaques, mobiles, free-standing sculptures, mirrors, church windows, room dividers, and even exterior building ornamentation.

Since 1966, the Higgins Glass Studio has been in Riverside, Illinois, where their chosen successors, Louise and Jonathan Wimmer, continue to produce glass pieces from the classic ‘Higginsware’ designs, along with new designs for collectors to acquire.

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Things To Know:  This item will be shipped prepaid priority mail for 1–3 day delivery. $10 delivery will be noted on final invoice. CA Sales Tax 7.25% applies.

• Company Name : An Enthusiastic Higginsware Collector