An often-sought line of glassware, Candlewick glassware is identified by its small glass beads woven into the pattern. Elegant and beautiful, Candlewick has become family heirlooms passed down from generation to generation.

Candlewick Glassworks had its humble beginnings in Ohio in the mid 1930’s. The Imperial Glass Company opened its doors in 1904 in Bellaire, Ohio under the direction of Edward Muhleman, a gentleman who had extensive experience in the glass industry. Under Muhleman’s guidance, The Imperial Glass Company became one of the nation’s foremost glassmakers. And while his glass was of high quality, it was also extremely affordable for the average family; this rare combination caused imperial glass to skyrocket in popularity.

In the early 1930s, Imperial Chicago sales representative Earl Newton developed Candlewick glassware. Newton made adaptations to the French Cannonball glassware line after seeing it on a trip to New York and being captivated by its distinction and elegance. Newton used this design as a starting point to develop what he believed would be a unique and timeless line of glassware. His resulting design reminded Newton of the use of sails, a style of sewing popular in colonial times, and thus the name was born.

The Imperial Glass Company jumped on board and launched its Candlewick line in the summer of 1936. Candlewick glassware proved to be one of Imperial’s best sellers, as customers lined up to purchase these elegant pieces.

Today, Candlewick glassware collectors continue to prowl antique stores looking for pieces to add to their collection. With the advent of the internet, a whole new world has opened up for collectors as they buy and sell their wares online. Internet resources have made searching for specialty parts a much more convenient and affordable journey.

There is also a tremendous amount of information online about the early days of Candlewick glassware and the variety of lines it produced. From there, you can search for reputable glass dealers who have pieces for sale. Candlewick glassware, like all glassware, can be a beautiful legacy to pass on.