Lancaster, OH — The Ohio Glass Museum is set to unveil a captivating new exhibit, “DAZZLING!,” showcasing a remarkable collection of glass candle holders amassed over nearly 50 years by collectors Al Schon and Roger Bridgewater of St. Louis, Missouri. The exhibit will open to the public at 5 p.m. on September 12, 2024, in the museum’s main gallery located at 124 W. Main Street in historic downtown Lancaster.
Curated by OGM Art Director Anne Kiphen, “DAZZLING!” will feature hundreds of candle holders from the extensive private collection of Schon and Bridgewater. The couple, having donated nearly all of their collection to the museum, decided to downsize after decades of passionate collecting.
“Our journey began in 1977 with a pair of New Martinsville ‘Man in the Moon’ candlesticks,” said Schon. “Over the years, we accumulated a diverse collection of American glass from various manufacturers. We sought out museums with a broad focus, rather than those specializing in a single manufacturer, and discovered the Ohio Glass Museum. It was a perfect fit given the prominence of Ohio Valley glass houses in our collection.”
Anne Kiphen expressed excitement over the acquisition, noting its significance to the museum. “The Bridgewater-Schon collection is now our largest, comprising 583 glass candleholders, predominantly clear glass. This clarity highlights the elegant lines and artistic craftsmanship of the original designers and artisans.”
The exhibit, sponsored by Claypool Electric, will be celebrated with a special opening reception and will remain on display throughout the summer of 2025. The Ohio Glass Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.ohioglassmuseum.org.
Ohio Glass Museum
124 W. Main Street
Lancaster, OH
www.ohioglassmuseum.org
