Exhibition Highlights: April 2016 Edition
**Article Title: Bill Thomas Showcases Rare Gillinder Glass Collection at Collector's Showcase Event**
Bill Thomas, a renowned glass authority and historian, recently showcased his extensive collection of Gillinder Glass at the Collector's Showcase event in April 2016. The event, which took place in the heart of the glass collecting community, provided a unique opportunity for attendees to view and learn about some of the rarest and most valuable pieces of Gillinder Glass.
Established in 1861 by William T. Gillinder in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Gillinder Glass quickly made a name for itself in the glass industry. The company, which still operates today in Port Jervis, New York, gained significant national attention during the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. At this international fair, Gillinder showcased its skills by building and operating a glass plant on the exposition grounds, demonstrating its expertise in glass production.
One of the key contributions of Gillinder Glass during the Centennial Exposition was the production of early American pressed glass pieces, including commemorative items such as the Centennial pitcher. These items are now highly sought after by collectors for their historical significance and aesthetic appeal.
Bill Thomas, who started a glass club in Baltimore and is an active member of a glass club, has one of the largest private collections of Gillinder Glass outside of William T. Gillinder's descendants. His interest in Gillinder Glass stemmed from his love of history, leading him to historic glass souvenirs, and eventually to Gillinder glass.
Thomas's participation in the Collector's Showcase event as a show promoter helped to increase awareness and interest in Gillinder Glass among collectors. The event served as a platform for him to share his knowledge and passion for Gillinder Glass with other collectors and enthusiasts. Some of the Gillinder Glass pieces displayed by Thomas during the event were not usually on display in his home or off-site storage facility, making it a special treat for attendees.
Gillinder Glass is best known for producing glass souvenirs for the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. The company's innovative approach to glass production during the exposition, including the setup of a fully operational glass plant, showcased its capabilities in producing high-quality glassware and solidified its place in American glassmaking history. Today, Gillinder Glass remains family-owned, with the sixth generation involved in its operations in Port Jervis, New York, continuing the tradition of quality glass production that began over a century ago.
The Collector's Showcase event provided a valuable opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to learn about and appreciate the history and significance of Gillinder Glass. Bill Thomas's extensive collection, which includes over 2,000 pieces, serves as a testament to the enduring impact of Gillinder Glass on American glass history.
At the Collector's Showcase event, Bill Thomas showcased his extensive Gillinder Glass collection, discussing its historical significance and aesthetic appeal in the context of American lifestyle and home-and-garden decor. His passionate presentation offered attendees a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history of this important glass manufacturer.
