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Work of Charles Lotton, a self-taught glass artist who began his career in the early 1970s. Museum of American Glass image.

Lotton legacy showcased at Museum of American Glass

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf
Work of Charles Lotton, a self-taught glass artist who began his career in the early 1970s. Museum of American Glass image.
Work of Charles Lotton, a self-taught glass artist who began his career in the early 1970s. Museum of American Glass image.

WESTON, W.V. – To mark the 50th anniversary of the studio/contemporary glass movement in the United States, the Museum of American Glass in West Virginia is hosting an exhibition, “The Lotton Legacy, Three Generations of American Glass.” The Lotton Art Glass Studio is considered one of the top studios in the world and Lotton’s glass has been called the Tiffany of tomorrow. The exhibit runs July 1 to Aug. 18.

The Museum of American Glass is proud to be one of 165 museums and other organizations across the country planning exhibits and lectures. These events celebrate the 50-year milestone recognizing the many important artists who have become involved in the movement in the years since 1962 when Harvey Littleton and Dominick Labino first experimented with making glass outside of the factory setting in Toledo, Ohio, workshops.

The Lottons are a remarkable family headed by patriarch Charles Lotton, a self-taught glass artist who began his career in the early 1970s. He has been joined in his Crete, Ill., studio by his son Daniel and grandson Timothy as well as by nonfamily glass artist Scott Bayless. Another son, David, and his sons Jeremiah and Joshua, share a studio in Lowell, Ind. Charles’ youngest son, John, and nephew, Jerry Heer, have retired from glassmaking. How remarkable it is that these eight men of one family have created such beautiful objects and each with their own unique style.

The Museum of American Glass in West Virginia is open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day, noon to 4 p.m. EDT. The balance of the year the museum is open daily noon to 4 p.m. and closed on Wednesday and Sunday. Admission is free. It is easily accessible off I-79 exit 99. The museum is at 230 Main Ave.

Begun in 1992, the museum relocated to its present location in 2007 and occupies 12,000 square feet with over 12,000 pieces of glass on permanent display. The museum is home to the National Marble Museum and the American Flint Glass Workers Union Archives. The museum holds an annual marble festival and numerous special exhibits throughout the year. More information can be found at http://magwv.com/. Questions about programs or the museum can be directed to 304-269-5006.

ADDITIONAL IMAGES OF NOTE

Work of Charles Lotton, a self-taught glass artist who began his career in the early 1970s. Museum of American Glass image.
Work of Charles Lotton, a self-taught glass artist who began his career in the early 1970s. Museum of American Glass image.
Work of David Lotton from his studio in Lowell, Ind. Museum of American Glass image.
Work of David Lotton from his studio in Lowell, Ind. Museum of American Glass image.
John Lotton paperweight weighing over 50 pounds. Museum of American Glass image.
John Lotton paperweight weighing over 50 pounds. Museum of American Glass image.