Blenko Bookends
A producer of hand-blown glass since 1893, Blenko Glass is currently headquartered in Milton, West Virginia, where it has operated since 1921. Among its many illustrious projects are the stained-glass windows it produced for St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Washington National Cathedral. Blenko is known today for the brilliant colors of its glass vessels and objects—particularly those produced in the 1950s and ’60s—which range from jewel-like blues and greens to brilliant reds and yellows.
The company was founded by William J. Blenko, an English immigrant who was apprenticed to a glassmaker in his native London as a young man. Blenko developed expertise in the production of rondels, the round panes used in stained glass windows. His interest in the potential of natural gas to fire glass furnaces led him to Milton, where abundant reserves of the fuel had attracted a pool of skilled glassblowers. Under the name Eureka Glass, his company began making window glass in 1923, and in 1925, he was joined in the business by his son, William H. Blenko.
When the Great Depression quelled demand for stained glass, William J. Blenko brought local Milton glassblowers into the company to begin producing stem- and tableware, products for which the company, which changed its name to Blenko in 1930, is now best known. Up until the end of World War II, Blenko’s tableware designs were fairly straightforward, and they sold well at American department such as Gump’s, in San Francisco. The company was also commissioned in 1930 to produce a line of reproductions for Colonial Williamsburg.
In 1947, the company hired as its art director Winslow Anderson, who introduced artful, fanciful and modern vessels and objects in vibrant colors. This began what collectors refer to as Blenko’s “historic period.” A number of Anderson’s designs were honored by the Museum of Modern Art’s Good Design Awards in 1950, and throughout the 1950’s and ‘60s, the company enjoyed robust sales and critical acclaim. The forms Blenko produced during this period followed the contemporary vogue for biomorphism, or organic modernism, which favored rounded and fluid shapes inspired by nature.
One of Blenko’s most influential designers, Wayne Husted, who was active from 1953 to ’63, is credited with aligning Blenko’s products with the prevailing mid-century modern aesthetic by pushing the envelope on both form and color, particularly in his wedge-cut and Spool decanters and his Echoes series. Joel Philip Myers, who designed for Blenko in the 1960s, brought a sense of whimsy and visual excess to the product line, in keeping with the psychedelic look favored during the period.
Blenko Glass still produces many of its classic designs in items ranging from stemware and tableware to decorative objects and ornamental decanters. Among collectors, pieces created under Husted’s creative direction are of special interest. The company has come to the attention of younger audiences through the documentaries Blenko: Hearts of Glass and Blenko Retro: Three Designers of American Glass, both of which aired on PBS. Blenko also designed the glass award trophy for the Country Music Awards.
27
to
7
27
27
27
27
26
1
27
16
5
7
1
27
6
5
27
24
63
27
22
20
19
Creator: Blenko
Mid-Century Modern Blenko Clear Textured Glass Bear Bookends by Wayne Husted
By Wayne Husted, Blenko Glass
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of MCM Wayne Husted designed clear textured glass bear bookends for Blenko, circa 1960s. In fine condition, no damage. partial labels. In fine condition, no issues. Model 4034
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
Handmade Glass Bookends by Blenko - a Pair
By Blenko Glass
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of handmade glass bookends with smooth top and textured sides by Blenko Glass, USA circa 1980s.
Measurement for each block: w3.5" d4" h3.75"
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
Vintage Midcentury Glass Owl Bookends by Blenko
By Rosenthal, Jonathan Adler, Blenko Glass
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of midcentury glass owl bookends by Blenko from the 1960s. Incredible craftsmanship and detail in this pair of glass bookends that can adapt to your style as sculpture...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Blown Glass
Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends by Wayne Husted, USA, 1960's
By Wayne Husted, Blenko Glass
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends by Wayne Husted, USA, 1960's.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass, Art Glass
Mid-Century Modern Blenko Clear Textured Glass Elephant Bookends by Wayne Husted
By Wayne Husted, Blenko Glass
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of MCM Wayne Husted designed clear textured glass Elephant bookends for Blenko, circa 1960s. In fine condition, no damage. no Label. In fine condition, no issues.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
Blenko Glass Owl Book Ends
By Blenko Glass
Located in Denton, TX
1960s Blenko glass bookends, designed by Joel Myers rare emerald green solid cast glass with textured design in the front and smooth on the back.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
Mid-Century Modern Blenko Clear Glass Half Circle Bookends by Wayne Husted
By Wayne Husted, Blenko Glass
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Wayne Husted designed clear half glass bookends for Blenko, circa 1960s. In fine condition, no damage. Original Label, possible model # 434.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
Mid Century Elephant Bookends, Blenko
By Blenko Glass
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century solid cast glass stylized elephant bookends. Backs are polished smooth, while fronts are textured.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Art Glass
Pair of Rare Emerald Green Glass Bookends by Blenko
By Blenko Glass
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of solid emerald green bookends by Blenko excellent condition.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
American Midcentury Textured Glass Owl Bookends by Blenko
By Blenko Glass
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of midcentury glass owl bookends by Blenko from the 1960s. Incredible craftsmanship and detail in this pair of glass bookends that can adapt to your style as sculpture...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Blown Glass
Blenko Glass Twisted Hearts Clear Block Bookends Wayne Husted, 1969
By Wayne Husted, Blenko Glass
Located in Miami, FL
Blenko glass twisted hearts clear block bookends, Wayne Husted 1969
Offered for sale is a pair of Blenko "Twisted Hearts" clear block bookends designed by Wayne Husted in 1969. Th...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
Pair of Clear Glass Half Moon Glass Bookends by Wayne Husted for Blenko
By Blenko Glass, Wayne Husted
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous clear glass half moon bookends designed by Wayne Husted for Blenko, circa 1960s. They are in very good vintage condition with no chips or scra...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
Pair of Clear Glass Half Moon Glass Bookends by Wayne Husted for Blenko
By Blenko Glass, Wayne Husted
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous clear glass half moon bookends designed by Wayne Husted for Blenko, circa 1960s. They are in very good vintage condition with no chips or scra...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
Blenko Clear Glass Half Circle Bookends, Pair
By Blenko Glass, Wayne Husted
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pair of vintage handmade half circle bookends in solid glass by Blenko. Both with original foil label.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass, Art Glass
Owl Bookends by Blenko
By Blenko Glass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960s Blenko glass bookends, designed by Joel Myers. In overall excellent condition, with no chips or repairs.
We have 4 pairs in stock and on display in our Los Angeles Arts Distr...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
Owl Bookends by Blenko
By Blenko Glass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960s Blenko glass bookends, designed by Joel Myers. In overall excellent condition, with no chips or repairs.
We have 4 pairs in stock and on display in our Los Angeles Arts Distr...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
Pair of Ice Block Emerald Glass Bookends by Blenko Glass
By Blenko Glass
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice pair of of free flow ice block emerald glass bookends by Blenko Glass, circa 1970s. The bookends look like a large chunk of ice with a very cool three dimensional effect and mea...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
Vintage Midcentury Glass Owl Bookends by Blenko
By Blenko Glass
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of midcentury glass owl bookends by Blenko from the 1960s with original signature seal sticker. Incredible craftsmanship and detail in this pair of glass bookends that...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Blown Glass
Blenko Glass Fish Bookends
By Blenko Glass
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury solid cast glass bookends depicting a fish in bas relief technique.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
Pair of Midcentury Amber Glass Owl Bookends by Blenko
By Blenko Glass
Located in San Diego, CA
Midcentury pair of handblown amber colored owl bookends by Blenko, circa 1960s. The bookends are heavy and solid with a smooth back side a finish and a textural finish on the front. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Blown Glass
Mid-Century Modern Handcrafted Marked Blenko Thick Clear Glass Owl Bookends
By Blenko Glass
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern handcrafted Blenko thick glass owl bookends.
Original label on back of each.
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Blown Glass
Blenko Stylized Bamboo Glass Bookends
By Blenko Glass
Located in New York, NY
Pair of cast clear glass bookends with a stylized bamboo motif by Blenko.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Art Glass
Fish Bookends by Blenko
By Blenko Glass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-century era, pair of Blenko, thick glass fish bookends. Solid, handblown, with back side a smooth finish and front side a textural finish.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
Ship Bookends by Blenko
By Blenko Glass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century era, pair of Blenko, thick glass ship bookends. Solid, handblown, with back side a smooth finish and front side a textural finish.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
Pair of Midcentury Glass Owl Bookends by Blenko
By Blenko Glass
Located in San Diego, CA
Midcentury pair of handblown owl bookends by Blenko, circa 1960s. The bookends are heavy and solid with a smooth back side a finish and a textural finish on the front. Very cool deco...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Blown Glass
Midcentury Blenko Glass Fish Bookends
By Blenko Glass
Located in Cathedral City, CA
A pair of midcentury Blenko fish bookends.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
Blenko Art Glass Bookends Indian Sculptures
By Blenko Glass
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Blenko 1970s clay-molded textured clear glass bookends.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Bookends
Materials
Art Glass
Related Items
Solid Glass Block Bookends By Blenko
By Blenko Glass
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Solid Glass Block Bookends By Blenko, textured edge.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
Vintage Mid-Century Wall Street Bear Bronze Bookend Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-Century Modern stock market bookend sculpture brass bear on a solid marble base. These iconic symbols of Wall Street presented majestically on a marble base that adds a solid (li...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Rare Emerald Green Glass Bookends by Blenko
By Blenko Glass
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of solid emerald green bookends by Blenko excellent condition.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
Pair of Hand Carved Wooden Bookends Owls, Germany
Located in Barntrup, DE
A charming pair of linden wood bookends with carved figurines of Owls with beautiful orange eyes, Germany, circa the 1930s.
These adorable bookends will make a wonderful accent on a...
Category
1930s German Art Deco Vintage Blenko Bookends
Materials
Wood
Owl Bookends by Blenko
By Blenko Glass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960s Blenko glass bookends, designed by Joel Myers. In overall excellent condition, with no chips or repairs.
We have 4 pairs in stock and on display in our Los Angeles Arts Distr...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
Aluminum Owl Bookends
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Aluminum Owl bookends, weighted cast aluminum. Nice Image and useful!
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Bookends
Materials
Aluminum
Owl Bookends by Blenko
By Blenko Glass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960s Blenko glass bookends, designed by Joel Myers. In overall excellent condition, with no chips or repairs.
We have 4 pairs in stock and on display in our Los Angeles Arts Distr...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
Mid-Century Hand Carved Alabaster Owl Sculptures with Glass Eyes Bookends 1950s
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful, meaningful, practical and decorative mid-century bookends.
Given the fact that owls are the international symbol for wisdom and learning, these are the perfect sculptures...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Alabaster
Free Shipping
H 7 in W 3.1 in D 2.8 in
Mid-Century Modern Alabaster Bookends
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern Alabaster Bookends.
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Bookends
Materials
Alabaster
Ben Seibel Bookends Mid Century 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century 1960s Brass Bookend. Ben Seibel designed for Raymor. Still retains original marking sticker and felt bottom. Modern sculptural des...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Brass
Modern Blenko Glass Owl Bookends
By Joel Myers
Located in Cathedral City, CA
1960s Modern Blenko glass owl bookends Joel Myers, USA.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Art Glass
Vintage Italian Alabaster Owl Bookends
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Vintage Italian Alabaster Owl Bookends. Expressive faces with glass eyes gives these bookends a striking presence.
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Bookends
Materials
Alabaster
Previously Available Items
Blenko Glass Cube Bookends
By Blenko Glass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This pair of glass bookends by Blenko each feature a chunky cube form that simulates the look of a block of ice.
Dimensions
Each bookend measures: 5” width x 2.5” depth x 5” height
...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
1970s Blenko Art Glass Clear Seashell Clam Bookends WV
By Blenko Glass
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Blenko Art Glass Clear Seashell Bookends WV
7 w x 2 d x 6.38 h
Original unrestored vintage condition
See all images provided.
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Art Glass
Vintage Cast Glass Bookends by Blenko
By Blenko Glass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Elegant pair of heavy bookends by Blenko. Made in cast glass with triangular shape and carved interior.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
Pair of Midcentury Amber Glass Bamboo Shaft Bookends by Blenko
By Blenko Glass
Located in San Diego, CA
Midcentury pair of amber colored glass bamboo shaft bookends by Blenko, circa 1970s. The bookends are heavy and solid with a smooth back and a textural finish on the front. They are ...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
Blending Glass Modern Bookends
By Blenko Glass
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of glass bookends by Blenko. Solid glass with a subtle texture on the surfaces.
Retain manufacturer sticker.
Category
1960s American Vintage Blenko Bookends
Materials
Art Glass
Cube Glass Bookends
By Blenko Glass
Located in Richmond, VA
Stunning, cube glass bookends in soft green and yellow with textured edge detail. Set of two by Blenko Glass Company.
Category
20th Century Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
Vintage Cast Glass Bookends by Blenko
By Blenko Glass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A fantastic pair of heavy Mid-Century Modern cast glass semi-circular column bookends by Blenko.
In very good vintage condition with wear consistent with age and use.
5" x 5" x...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
1960s Modernist Sculptural Clear Glass Wedge Bookends Wayne Husted Blenko WV
By Blenko Glass, Wayne Husted
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Fine pair of sculptural Blenko Handcrafted wedge-shaped Clear Glass Bookends
Designer Wayne Husted
5.13 tall x 5 w x 3 d
Preowned unrestored vintage original condition
See imag...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Bookends
Materials
Blown Glass
Wedge Glass Bookends
By Blenko Glass
Located in Richmond, VA
Vintage glass wedge bookends in marigold, set of two. By Blenko Glass Company.
Category
20th Century Modern Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
Cobalt Glass Bookends
By Blenko Glass
Located in Richmond, VA
Vintage glass half-moon bookends in beautiful cobalt blue color. Set of two by Blenko Glass Company.
Category
20th Century American Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
Mid-Century Modern Blenko Clear Glass Half Circle Bookends by Wayne Husted
By Blenko Glass, Wayne Husted
Located in St. Louis, MO
Wayne Husted designed clear half glass bookends for Blenko, circa 1960s. In fine condition, no damage.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
Pair of Joel Myers for Blenko Glass Elephant Bookends
By Joel Myers, Blenko Glass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This pair of glass bookends by Joel Myers for Blenko, c.1960s, USA are a stunning teal color. Each bookend depicts an elephant figure embedded in...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blenko Bookends
Materials
Glass
Blenko bookends for sale on 1stDibs.
Blenko bookends are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of glass and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Blenko bookends, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original bookends by Blenko were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider bookends by Ben Seibel, Marshall Studios, and Gordon & Jane Martz. Prices for Blenko bookends can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $250 and can go as high as $650, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $413.
Creators Similar to Blenko
Questions About Blenko Bookends
- How do I identify a Blenko lamp?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Identifying a Blenko lamp often comes down to studying the forms and shapes of authentic Blenko lamps and comparing similar pieces. Since the majority of Blenko glass lamps will no longer have the sticker that was used for identification, you can look at books that are basically reprints of the annual Blenko catalogue, visit a collector-run website, or have a professional assessor look at it. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Blenko lamps from top sellers worldwide.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024A few things account for what is so special about Blenko glass. The vibrant colors that the brand is famous for set it apart, as do its imaginative designs. In addition, Blenko is known for its quality crafting techniques and for its rich history, which dates back to 1921. Explore a selection of Blenko glass on 1stDibs.
- What type of glass is Blenko?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Blenko glass is hand-blown sheet glass that is used for stained glass windows or architectural glass. The Blenko Glass Company is most recognized for their work with the St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. Shop a wide selection of Blenko glass goods on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To know if glassware is Blenko glass, you will likely need to seek the help of a licensed appraiser. Blenko did not sign most pieces and did not create specific patterns. As a result, it is usually not possible to identify Blenko glass using only online resources. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted Blenko glassware.
- Is Blenko glass still made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Blenko glass is still made. The Blenko Glass Company produces their products at a company-owned factory in Milton, West Virginia. It opened in 1921 and is well known for producing decorative bottles, bowls and vases. Find a selection of Blenko glass on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022West Virginia-based Blenko Glass Company made its beloved jewel-toned, hand-blown glass lamps from 1947 through 1963. The company, established in 1893, has operated out of Milton, WV, since 1921, and started out producing glass vases and decanters. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Blenko pieces from top sellers worldwide.