
Hand-painted frosted glass fairy lamp with winter ice skating scene by Fenton
History
Fenton Art Glass Company, founded in 1905 in Williamstown, West Virginia, became renowned for its handcrafted decorative glassware. Fairy lamps, originally designed in the 1880s as small candle holders, were revived by Fenton in the late 20th century as collectible decorative pieces. This particular lamp appears to be from Fenton's limited edition Christmas series produced in the early 1990s, featuring hand-painted winter scenes on custard or frosted glass. Each piece was individually numbered and signed by the artist, making them part of a controlled production run, typically limited to a few thousand pieces per design. Fenton fairy lamps are highly prized by American art glass collectors and enthusiasts of vintage holiday decor. The combination of Fenton's reputation for quality craftsmanship, the charming hand-painted winter imagery, and the limited production numbers make these pieces particularly desirable. Collectors appreciate the nostalgic appeal of the winter scenes and the artistry involved in each hand-painted design. These lamps are especially sought after during the holiday season and command premium prices when they retain their original signatures, numbering, and are in excellent condition without chips or paint loss.
Origin
Williamstown, West Virginia, United States
Maker
Fenton Art Glass Company
Time period
circa 1990-1995