From the wealthy elite to the rising middle class, Americans in the 19th century decorated their homes with furniture, textiles and wall coverings designed and fabricated by Louis Comfort Tiffany. His art glass creations, however, were his crowning achievement — magnificent for their beauty, quality and variety.

More than 100 of his blown-glass objects are the focus of “Domestic Treasures: Tiffany Art Glass for the Public” at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park, Fla. On display through Jan. 14, 2007, the exhibition draws from the museum’s permanent collection of over 500 works of Tiffany blown glass.

The name Tiffany was long associated with Louis’ father, Charles Lewis, who founded the prestigious silver and jewelry company in America. Louis, on the other hand, pursued his passion for painting, and later his interest in decorating — designing interiors for such clients as Mark Twain and President Chester Arthur. During this period, he began experimenting with glassmaking.

Tiffany pursued glass-making in earnest when he established his own decorating company in 1885. His
first patent was for opalescent glass, a process in which he combined several colors to create a vast range of hues
and three-dimensional effects.

In 1893, he introduced “Favrile” glass — named for an old English word mean-ing “handmade.” Inspired by the colors of nature, these blown-glass vases and bowls gained international renown for their iridescence and brilliant colors.
With a successful clientele among the world’s elite, Tiffany decided to expand his home furnishings and accessories to a broader segment of patrons. The Industrial Age had generated new wealth and therefore increased demand for Tiffany products. In 1894, he introduced his art glass to the general public, setting the standard for the well-decorated home.

Today, the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art houses the most comprehensive collection of the designer’s work — amassed by founders Jeannette and Hugh McKean over a half-century.

For more information, please call the museum at 407/645-5311, or go to www.morsemuseum.org..

	Luster glass vase, 1913, in the form of a jack-in-the-pulpit.

	Slender opalescent glass vase designed in the form of a flower, circa 1905.

	Exquisite iridescent glass epergne, circa 1905.

	Luster glass decanter, 1898, with silver peacocks.

	Paperweight millefiori glass vase, circa 1914-1918.

	Carved cameo glass vase with tulip pattern, 1906.

From the wealthy elite to the rising middle class, Americans in the 19th century decorated their homes with furniture, textiles and wall coverings designed and fabricated by Louis Comfort Tiffany. His art glass creations, however, were his crowning achievement — magnificent for their beauty, quality and variety. More than 100 of his blown-glass objects are the focus of “Domestic Treasures: Tiffany Art Glass for the Public” at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park, Fla. On display through Jan. 14, 2007, the exhibition draws from the museum’s permanent collection of over 500 works of Tiffany blown glass. The name Tiffany was long associated with Louis’ father, Charles Lewis, who founded the prestigious silver and jewelry company in America. Louis, on the other hand, pursued his passion for painting, and later his interest in decorating — designing interiors for such clients as Mark Twain and President Chester Arthur. During this period, he began experimenting with glassmaking. Tiffany pursued glass-making in earnest when he established his own decorating company in 1885. His first patent was for opalescent glass, a process in which he combined several colors to create a vast range of hues and three-dimensional effects. In 1893, he introduced “Favrile” glass — named for an old English word mean-ing “handmade.” Inspired by the colors of nature, these blown-glass vases and bowls gained international renown for their iridescence and brilliant colors. With a successful clientele among the world’s elite, Tiffany decided to expand his home furnishings and accessories to a broader segment of patrons. The Industrial Age had generated new wealth and therefore increased demand for Tiffany products. In 1894, he introduced his art glass to the general public, setting the standard for the well-decorated home. Today, the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art houses the most comprehensive collection of the designer’s work — amassed by founders Jeannette and Hugh McKean over a half-century. For more information, please call the museum at 407/645-5311, or go to www.morsemuseum.org..