Ted Muehling Selects: Lobmeyr Glass from the Permanent Colletion
Ted Muehling has curated and exhibition of works from the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum's recent acquisition of 163 rare examples of glass from J. & L. Lobmeyr of Vienna, Austria, dating from 1835 to the present day. The exhibition runs through January 2, 2011. www.cooperhewitt.org/exhibitions/selects/ted-muehling.asp
The virtuosity of this glass work was unprecedented. Glass of such clarity, symmetry and perfectionism had never been accomplished before. The blowing, cutting, polishing, engraving, painting and gilding was flawless. I have a genuine appreciation for this labor-intensive work which transformed the glass industry. The convergence of technological innovation, a highly skilled workforce, the market of the growing merchant class, the support of the Habsburg royalty and lingering aristocracy and the pure willfulness of men like Joseph and Ludwig Lobmeyr created a vibrant industry with a lasting legacy.