By Ann Nichols
annsnichols@aol.com
The Houston Museum of Decorative Arts is showcasing a collection of Mary Gregory-type glass through August.
Pitchers, vases, perfume bottles, candy jars, cruets and bowls in amber, cranberry, blue, green and clear glass can be seen. However, what classifies these items as Mary Gregory glass are the Victorian-dressed women, cherubs, oriental figures and young people enameled in white on the surface.
“Although the museum’s collection of this glass is on permanent display, it is usually housed in a corner cupboard,” said Amy Frierson, Houston’s director. “Having it out in the open on special shelving, as it is for this exhibit, allows visitors a fuller view of these stunning pieces with their distinctive designs.”
One of the most intriguing aspects of this kind of glass is its origin.
The “myth” is that a spinster named Mary Gregory, who worked in the decorating department of the Boston and Sandwich Glass Co. in Massachusetts, originated and painted the designs. Investigation debunked this theory, finding that a dealer in Bohemian glass claimed his product was from Boston and Sandwich Co. and that Mary Gregory had painted the designs. But the glass was, in fact, from Bohemia.
The Mary Gregory name stuck, though, and was ultimately used to describe any form of white enamel decoration on glass.
The best, oldest and most valuable Mary Gregory-type glass is not decorated with images of children. Also, the better the glass, the older the item. And in terms of quality of painting, the oldest and most valuable designs were done in stages. Newer pieces were completed with one application.
According to Mrs. Frierson, Bohemian glassmakers were ranked among the finest in the world and produced objects of unrivaled beauty. Mary Gregory-type glass remains exclusively Bohemian.
The Houston, 201 High St., is open Monday through Friday with tours held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum in open on weekends by appointment. Admission is $9 for adults and $3.50 for ages 4-17. Call 267-7176.