The American Cut Glass Industry: T. G. Hawkes and His Competitors

Rating:
Summary: For cut glass collectors this is essential reading.
Review: Ms. Jane Spillman has done it again with her new book. Collectors of American Brilliant Cut Glass ran the price of her first large book, 'The Complete Cut and Engraved Glass of Corning' up to $500.00 before it was reprinted and this one will go the same way if it is not over printed. It contains a wealth of knowledge concerning the cut glass industry and the relationships between Hawkes and his competitors, particularly Dorflinger and J. Hoare. Many pattern illustrations are included, some for the first time, and the relationships between Gorham Silver and the Hawkes and J. Hoare firms are detailed.

In addition to the above, the book provides a really good look at what it was like to be part of the cut glass industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in America. Many references are made to the recently discovered Hawkes archives, which contain day-by-day correspondence from T. G. Hawkes himself to his rivals in the industry and his suppliers and customers. Additionally, many references are made to Hawkes' patterns, and even his views on the labor movement. A whole chapter is given over to detailing Hawkes' preparations, manufacturing hassles and the major problems involved in the shipment of his display to the Paris Exposition of 1889. It's like being there.

This is a wonderful book which must be read if you are to consider yourself a true collector of American Brilliant Cut Glass.