Tumbler 1874 - 1875

This tumbler was made by Bakewell, Pears and Company, sometime between 1836 and 1882. Its elegant form combines clear and opalescent glass, in a design that evokes a stylized flower. Bakewell, Pears and Company was one of the leading glass manufacturers in the United States during the 19th century. Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, it was known for its innovative techniques and high-quality products. The company's success reflects the rapid industrialization and economic expansion of the United States during this period. Glassware became more accessible to a growing middle class, eager to display their prosperity through fashionable household goods. The tumbler’s refined design also speaks to the cultural aspirations of the time. Forms and motifs borrowed from European art and design were popular among American manufacturers seeking to elevate the status of their products. Understanding the social and economic context in which objects like this tumbler were made allows us to appreciate them not just as beautiful artifacts, but as reflections of a dynamic and transformative era. Museum archives, company records, and period publications can help us understand this period better.