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History of Carnival Glass

Carnival glass is decorative pressed glassware that has an iridescent surface shine. Metallic salts are smoothed on the surface of the glass while it is still hot, which creates the unique sheen. The glassware is then re-fired. This process is called doping, which is why the glass workers refer to carnival glass as "dope glass." We think of carnival glass as antique pieces coming from the 1920s and 1930s. However, its history goes back to the turn of the century, and the process is still used today.

Iridill
- Fenton Art Glass Company began producing "carnival glass" back in 1907. It was known as Iridill. Fenton offered the art glass as a high-end designer product.
The Carnival Name
- When the Iridill glassware did not sell for the anticipated high prices, it became a discount item given away in fairs and carnivals as prizes. It was also used as a promotional item for retail sales and by banks for new customers.
Fenton
- Fenton Art Glass Company continued to be the biggest manufacturer of carnival glass until the 1920s, when the interest in this specialty glassware died down. With the recent resurgence of interest, it has begun to manufacture carnival glass once again.
Variations
- Although this glassware was made in many colors, the most popular were marigold, green, cobalt, amethyst and red (made primarily by Fenton). A variation of carnival glass, called milk glass, was also made in white.
Collectables
- There are many collectors of carnival glassware today. You have to be very educated on the subject to know the value of a piece. Many manufacturers did not use markers on their products, making it difficult to discern the proper age or origin.

Antiques