-Pittsburgh Corning Glass Block- still bank c. 20th century

Curator: Here we have a rather unusual object: a glass block functioning as a still bank. It comes from the Pittsburgh Corning Glass Block Corporation, dating back to the 20th century. Editor: First impression? Kind of sterile, almost like something from a sci-fi hospital. But there’s a strange beauty to it. I find its rigid structure oddly appealing. It reminds me of the modernist designs for communal living spaces, or government buildings—there is almost an utopian ideal implied. Curator: It certainly reflects a particular moment in design history, where industrial materials like glass were embraced for their functionality and aesthetic potential. This piece served a dual purpose – showcasing the company’s product while encouraging thriftiness. These objects often were handed out to employees to encourage investing. Editor: True, there's also something melancholic about it. Glass is so transparent, yet also fragile and unforgiving. Imagine all the tiny coins rattling inside over time—all the wishes trapped within this see-through box! It looks like the inscription and designs are embossed onto the face of it? Is that right? Curator: Indeed, the text and branding are molded into the glass itself, creating a subtle yet permanent form of advertisement. Its durability—obviously, the block is built to last—meant that Pittsburgh Corning would have had its name in people's peripheral vision long after they installed any blocks for construction, for example. It became more of a symbolic keepsake over time, once glass block fell out of style, or were viewed as old-fashioned. Editor: Absolutely. Think about how many families might have held this very object? And what it stood for—security, prosperity, the American dream manifested in a block of solid, clear glass. I bet there's even a bit of nostalgic longing bound up in it now. It makes me wish I could hold it to find the answer. Curator: It definitely provides an intriguing look into the intersection of industry, design, and consumer culture, which makes this more than just a still bank; it becomes a historical artifact with multiple layers of meaning. Editor: You know, seeing this piece has me reconsidering everyday objects. A simple glass block becomes a vessel of memories. I love how art challenges us to see beauty in the mundane.