This WBGU-PBS documentary chronicles
the lives, arts and lore of the artists who participated in the Midwest glass boom
between 1885 and 1920. The Fragile Art:
The Midwestern Heritage Of Glassmaking shows how northwest Ohio once provided
the central setting for glassmaking in the
United States.

Narrated by Glenn Colerider, the hour-long program features contemporary glass artisans at work replicating glass production during the boom period. On-location demonstrations by today's artists in Ohio, West Virginia and Indiana are included.

The Fragile Art: The Midwestern Heritage Of Glassmaking was videotaped on location in Ohio, Indiana and at three glass factories in West Virginia. The program traces the heritage of the American glass industry from the early 1800's through the 1960s. The focus of this program is the making of glass, the performances involved, and the actual
blowing of glass. Therefore, the program features people making glass and many beautiful glass artifacts.

The Fragile Art: The Midwestern Heritage Of Glassmaking focuses on
three major types of glass artifacts: window glass, bottles and art pieces.
It also describes the transition from hand craft to machine craft in the glassmaking process.It also deals with the folklore involved with the glassworkers, the birth of
the glass union movement, along with a special segment on Edward Drummond Libbey and Michael Joseph Owens, founders of the glass industry in Toledo.
There is intense interest in the glass heritage of northwest Ohio because of the
large number of glass collectors and glass historians and enthusiasts in the area. Also, some of the world's best glass factories were located in northwest Ohio
at one time.

Watch the Video

Learn more about glassmaking and various works of art in this area...

Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion

Firenation

Fenton Glass

Fostoria Glass Heritage museum

Tiffin Glass museum

Sauders Village