Bryce Glass: Art and Novelty in Nineteenth-Century Pittsburgh

James Bryce, a Scottish immigrant, started his glassmaking career at a young age and founded his own glassware company in 1850, making pressed glass widely available to everyday people. The company continued operations for 113 years, producing beautiful naturalistic designs, colorful tableware, and whimsical novelties. This book celebrates Bryce's artistry with 190 newly commissioned color plates and a compendium of authenticated products.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 03 April 2023
Publisher: D Giles Ltd

James Bryce, a Scottish immigrant who arrived in the United States in 1812, embarked on his glassmaking journey at the tender age of ten. Working as a child laborer on the floor of a Pittsburgh glasshouse, he earned a mere $1.25 a week. Despite his humble beginnings, Bryce's determination and talent shone through. In 1850, he took a significant step forward by founding his own glassware company, at a time when pressed glass was gaining popularity. Pressed glass revolutionized the lives of ordinary people by making exquisite tableware accessible to those who couldn't afford the expensive blown and cut crystal favored by their wealthy neighbors. Bryce's company, known for its high-quality products, quickly became one of the largest producers of pattern glass in America. By 1871, his glassware was being shipped worldwide, captivating audiences with its beauty and artistry.

Over the course of 113 years, the company remained in the hands of successive generations of the Bryce family, who guided its operations with passion and dedication. This remarkable legacy is celebrated in the pages of this volume, which showcases the breathtaking beauty and artistry of Bryce's creations between 1850 and 1891. At its core, this book is a visual feast, featuring 190 newly commissioned color plates meticulously photographed by renowned decorative arts photographer Gavin Ashworth. Each plate captures the intricate details and vibrant colors of Bryce's glassware, providing a captivating glimpse into his artistic vision.

In addition to the visual splendor, the book concludes with a comprehensive compendium of authenticated Bryce products. Illustrated primarily with period line drawings, this section serves as a valuable resource for both sophisticated glass scholars and casual collectors alike. It provides a detailed account of the company's history, products, and production techniques, allowing readers to deepen their understanding and appreciation of Bryce's glassmaking legacy.

In conclusion, "James Bryce: The Art of Glassmaking" is a testament to the indomitable spirit of entrepreneurship and the transformative power of art. Through the lens of Bryce's remarkable journey and the exquisite glassware he created, this book offers a glimpse into the rich history and cultural significance of glassmaking in America. It serves as a tribute to the talent and dedication of James Bryce and his family, and a celebration of the beauty and artistry that emerged from their workshop.

Weight: 1652g
Dimension: 289 x 293 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913875336