BRIEF HISTORY OF CANADIAN CUT GLASS COMPANIES

The Canadian Cut Glass Company of Gowans and Kent began their partnership in Toronto circa 1900 and lasted until 1918. Of course, we all know that after WW I most companies went under, even in the United States.

GOWANS & KENT BRILLIANT CUT GLASS

GOWANS & KENT BRILLIANT CUT GLASS

GUNDY-CLAPPERTON BRILLIANT CUT BOWL

CLAPPERTON BRILLIANT CUT GLASS COMPOTE

GOWANS & KENT BRILLIANT CUT LOW BOWL

Philip's Cut Glass Company of Montreal produced great earlier examples of cut glass and most if not all of their blanks were of great clarity. Again, a company not to be reckoned with; they as well were producing superior quality cut glass that could compete with their Canadian counterparts or American rivals.

Once again, Gundy-Clapperton comes up to the plate and can gracefully compliment any fine cut glass collection whether it be an American or Canadian collection. The craft of cutting glass is most definitely well executed and exhibited in this company. As we know, Clapperton and Gundy-Clapperton are held in high esteem for their quality of work and can be comparable with any of the best American factories of their day; As well, can rival with any of their Canadian counterparts.

As we have repeated throughout the site, Clapperton came in from the Libbey Factory, Ohio, USA and opened shop in Deseronto, Ontario in 1905 and joined partnership with Gundy in 1906 and did not close their doors until 1937. They were successful and managed to survive WW I when shortly thereafter many American counterparts failed and had to cease operations. This is a testament to their stamina and quality of creation and desirable craftsmanship.