Canadian Vintage Art Glass: EDAG, Chalet and Lorraine Stretches

In Canadian vintage art glass, the term "Stretch" is commonly used to describe a piece of glass that is shaped in a horizontal plane and manipulated to create four or more elongations, resulting in a distinctive form with multiple points. To learn more on the terminology and keywords used by Chalet Glass, EDAG Crystal, and Lorraine Glass Industries [click here]. This technique and others were prominently utilized by notable mid-20th century Canadian glass studios such as Chalet Glass, EDAG Crystal, and Lorraine Glass Industries, each producing pieces with unique artistic nuances despite their similarities. This article explores the concept of "stretches" and examines the stylistic variations among these studios.

The discussion extends to the broader theme of style and form in art glass, suggesting that such similarities are influenced by geographical location, historical migration patterns, and market demands. Businesses naturally aim to cater to specific markets, which in the realm of art glass, can lead to the adoption of certain styles and forms that resonate with particular audiences. An illustrative example is the Murano glass form known as Cordanato D'oro, characterized by its usually vibrant ruby red hue and gold accents intended to mimic the appearance of a rope. It can also be found in other colour besides the ruby red . Although commonly associated with the renowned Murano artist Barovier, this form has been seen bearing the labels of other artists like Gambaro and Poggi as well as AvEM, indicating the widespread adoption of certain techniques across artists and studios. This concept of similarity among pieces becomes evident when comparing items with more distinguishable forms, such as an Archimede Seguso dove versus a dove with a generic label, which is assumed to be from OBall. This pattern is extensive, highlighting a common oversight: many forget that these are techniques, and although they may originate from a specific artist, they are widely adopted and utilized by numerous others.

Examples of Murano Cordonato D'oro

Murano Dove possibly Oball

Murano love doves all made by Archimede Seguso

The post-war period saw significant migration, including skilled glass artisans from Murano, Italy, to Canada, which contributed to the flourishing of Canadian vintage art glass. The competition among artisans highlighted in newspaper clippings from the time underscores the blend of Venetian craftsmanship with Canadian aesthetic sensibilities. This fusion often leads to ambiguity regarding the origin of certain pieces, blurring the lines between Canadian and Muranese glass art. Below is an EDAG fish which has a lot of Murano aesthetic yet it is vintage Canadian glass.

The proximity of Canadian glass studios to one another, often within a 1.5-hour drive, coupled with the dynamics of employment within these studios, further suggests a shared cultural and artistic milieu. However, it is the individual interpretation of design by artists or companies that truly defines each piece.

An interesting anecdote shared by Maestro Danilo Pavanello during the development of the EDAG book reveals a cultural preference: while gold and silver inclusions were admired by the Italian market, they found less favor in Canada, indicating a divergence in taste that influenced the marketing and distribution of these pieces. To learn more about metal inclusions in glass making [click here].

This exploration of Canadian vintage art glass not only highlights the technical and stylistic aspects of the craft but also reflects on the cultural interplay and market forces that shape the art form.

The mystery of Canadian vintage art glass often revolves around its origin: was it crafted by Chalet Glass, EDAG Glass, or Lorraine Glass Industries? Acknowledging the similarities between these pieces allows us to explore deeper into their distinct differences, starting with Chalet Glass.

DISCLAIMER: Before we dive into the stretches, I want to clarify that the aim of this and most of my work is not to display everything that exists, but to educate. These works are designed to provide everyone with the knowledge to identify and attribute glass pieces.

Canadian Vintage Art Glass: Chalet Glass Stretches

Chalet glass stretches are known for their simplicity in design. Some may feature unique finishes like corroso or may be crafted in special colors. Typically, Chalet designs are minimalist, with curled ends being the most frequent decorative element. The appeal of Chalet stretches often lies in their color rather than intricate design, with the most coveted pieces showcasing simple forms in exceptional hues such as pink, purple-over-blue, clear crystal, uranium, and green-over-pink to name a few.

While most Chalet stretches adhere to simple forms, a select few exhibit unique features like wings, curled ends, like the purple stretch below, or a more pronounced body cavity in the case of the pink corroso stretch also imaged below. Recognizing a Chalet stretch can be straightforward if you're familiar with the form commonly associated with the brand, even in the absence of etching, a 'Canada Art' signature, or a sticker.

Canadian vintage Art Glass: EDAG Stretches

In contrast, EDAG Glass stretches are notable for their elaborate design elements, which include wings, finger-like extensions, twists, curls, and dots. While EDAG also produced more standard stretch forms, these typically appear in more common colors, like the lime one imaged below. Although some have a rim of colour or are two-tone, like the blue rimmed-over red or the blue and amber piece also imaged below.

The more decorative stretches often feature additional color accents, such as two-tone designs or rimmed edges. EDAG's stretches also come with a wide variety of bases, reflecting the brand's blend of Venetian and Canadian influences, as well as its clear inspiration from Venetian styles. Identifying EDAG pieces may require more detailed study due to the diverse range of designs and bases.

Canadian Vintage Art Glass: Lorraine Stretches

Lorraine glass stretches are available in an array of shapes and colours, with design elements that can be subtle, such as a small glass blob beneath the body or an 'antler-like' end on one of the extensions. Many Lorraine pieces feature six to eight points, with the number of points corresponding to the number of times the glass has been pulled. For example, a typical stretch with four points can become a six-point stretch if each side is split. Among the more sought-after Lorraine colors are the tie-dye patterns, pieces encased in a soft salmon hue, and the vibrant candy red.

Canadian Vintage Art Glass: Concluding Remarks

In conclusion, the world of Canadian vintage art glass is rich with history, artistry, and cultural interplay. The term "Stretch" in Canadian glass art represents a distinctive form that showcases the creativity and skill of artisans from renowned studios like Chalet Glass, EDAG Crystal, and Lorraine Glass Industries. Each studio, while sharing common techniques, imparts unique artistic nuances to their pieces, reflecting both individual and collective artistry.

Through this exploration, we gain a deeper appreciation for the technical and stylistic aspects of Canadian vintage art glass and the intricate cultural and market forces that shape this art form. As we continue to learn the specific characteristics of Chalet Glass, EDAG Crystal, and Lorraine Glass Industries, we uncover the tools that defines Canadian vintage art glass.