Itinerant glassworkers primarily made their living while moving from place to place. They went on tours, demonstrating in town halls, businesses, and rented buildings; they joined circuses and other traveling acts; they worked at a succession of museums and world’s fairs. Some traveled around the world while others stayed in a country or smaller region.
Libbey Glass Co’s factory in full operation at World’s Columbian Exposition, 1893. Collection of the Rakow Research Library, The Corning Museum of Glass, CMGL 134346.
Barnum’s American Museum, New York City, 1853. Source: Wikimedia Commons (Gleason’s Pictorial Vol. 4 No. 5 (January 29, 1853): 72. Drawn by Chapin. Engraved by Avery. [Public domain]) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Barnum%27s_American_Museum,_New_York_City.tiff
Postcard of lampworker Pat Keeler in Hall of Science and Industry, 1951-1959. Collection of the Rakow Research Library, The Corning Museum of Glass, CMGL 107114.
Scott’s Splendid Glass Working Exhibition in Miniature. United Kingdom, 1830. Collection of the Rakow Research Library, The Corning Museum of Glass. CMGL 138463.
Nona, Ethel, and Grace Howell are pictured here alongside their male relatives. Howell Family of Chelmsford, 1937-1945. Collection of the Rakow Research Library, The Corning Museum of Glass, CMGL 151522.
Glass blowers of the world pavilion at New York World’s Fair, 1939-1940. Collection of the Rakow Research Library, The Corning Museum of Glass, CMGL 152145.
Charles Mapel flameworking before onlookers, 1940. Collection of the Rakow Research Library, The Corning Museum of Glass, CMGL 152161.
With the advent of mass transportation and entertainment options, more glassworkers found permanent or semi-permanent jobs, working at tourist attractions, amusement parks, or demonstrating to clubs and school groups. Others transition to scientific glassblowing, opened glass shops, or left the profession altogether.
