Gallery Traces History of American Glassmaking from 18th Century to Today.
(Dearborn, MI., June 26, 2017) – The Henry Ford announced today that the Davidson-Gerson Gallery of Glass, its newest permanent exhibition inside Greenfield Village, is now open. The new gallery traces the history of American glassmaking
from the 18th century through the present, including works by important designers like Louis Comfort Tiffany and contemporary masters of the Studio Glass movement.
The Henry Ford’s American glass collection is one of the most comprehensive in the United States, numbering approximately 10,000 pieces. The Davidson-Gerson Gallery of Glass features more than 700 pieces of glass drawn from the collection, including
pieces from the recently acquired Bruce and Ann Bachmann collection of studio glass as well as the collection of Byron and Dorothy Gerson. Located inside the Liberty Craftworks district, the new gallery is adjacent to the Glass Shop to give guests
the chance to see talented glassblowers at work and explore one of the richest collections of American glass anywhere in the world right next door.
Guests to the gallery will see the story of America’s first industry unfold from early attempts to produce household objects and window glass in the 18th century to the technical innovations in the 19th century, which led to the country becoming
the world’s leader in mass-produced glass. The exhibit looks at how glass went from utility to art, over a period of 300+ years. The gallery includes cases featuring some of the most visually interesting bottles and flasks, a small sampling
of The Henry Ford’s encyclopedic glass collection, and a digital experience kiosk where visitors can peruse glass objects on display and in storage.
The new unique experience blends the creative vision of renowned architectural firm James Carpenter Design Associates in New York with the historic preservation sensitivity of Quinn Evans Architects that is true to the mission of The Henry Ford. The
gallery, installed in the former McDonald and Sons Machine Shop, combines the old with the new, including a glass-block entry and custom-designed glass cases to create a state-of-the-art-presentation of glass, storytelling and overall unified guest
experience.
The Davidson-Gerson Gallery of Glass inside Greenfield Village was made possible by a generous grant from the William Davidson Foundation in memory of William Davidson and in honor of his sister Dorothy Gerson. The William Davidson Foundation is a private
family foundation that honors its founder and continues his lifelong commitment to philanthropy, advancing for future generations the economic, cultural and civic vitality of Southeast Michigan, the State of Israel, and the Jewish community.
This activity is also supported by the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs. For a closer look inside The Henry Ford’s collection visit: https://www.thehenryford.org/visit/greenfield-village/districts/davidson-gerson-gallery-of-glass/