Gay fad glassware

From seasoned collectors to younger homeowners seeking vintage authenticity to people shopping for wedding, birthday and housewarming gifts, Gay Fad has become a cultural hub. Taylor and her staff designed a variety of patterns onto "blank" glassware purchased from Anchor Hocking, Hazel Atlas and Federal Glass, among others.

Originally gay fad glassware by Fran Taylor, the quirky and vibrant glass company operated from toand became known for its sophisticated yet playful hand-painted designs that faithfully captured mid-century aesthetics. She structured her studio as a place where women could express creativity and gain financial independence at a time when both were hard to come by. Featuring new and vintage mid-century inspired glassware, stemware, and gifts inspired by the company that broke the glass ceiling.

From tracking down original designs to engaging with families of past employees, they've woven both history and innovation into their business model. Typically paired with glossy, raised designs, the ceramic paints were then fired at high temperatures to become embedded in the glass and give it a shine that withstands the test of time. Their space is both a storefront and a museum, displaying new collections for every bar cart combination: short or tall, flat or fizzy.

While quite prolific during the mid-century, Gay Fad Studios closed in Learn about the regions rich legacy in glassware production as you attend cocktail parties, classes, expert presentations, a barware vendor show, museum exhibits, tiki and more!. Choose from our large selection of unique and hard-to-find Gay Fad Mid-Century cocktail glassware and barware, perfect for entertaining or for a special gift.

Two years into a relaunch of Ohio-based glassware company Gay Fad Studios, the owners share how they are carrying a legacy while modernizing for our current moment. 60 years since its closing, Gay Fad Studios has returned to Lancaster, Ohio! Reflecting on these pieces today involves acknowledging the history behind them, while being mindful of the diverse perspectives that were left out in their creation.

Gay Fad glassware is identifiable from its wide variety of glassware, hand-painted designs and prints, and mid-century barware —often frosted. Gay Fad Studios’ designs were known for the detail patterns and vibrant colors. While some designs were meticulously hand-painted, other pieces combined techniques such as silk-screening and acid etching, resulting in textured, layered effects.

For Jason and David, the journey to reopening the shop has been rooted in connecting with the past and its community in Lancaster and the broader community of glass enthusiasts. He shares a glimpse at how to separate the genuine article from other items that might have been manufactured in a similar style of the era. Featuring new and vintage mid-century inspired glassware, stemware, and gifts inspired by the company that broke the glass ceiling.

The revival of Gay Fad Studios has reignited enthusiasm for mid-century glassware in the area and beyond, building a lively community of collectors and enthusiasts across generations. 60 years since its closing, Gay Fad Studios has returned to Lancaster, Ohio! The studio is now able to recreate glassware with the look and feel of the mid-century designs but with the safety assurances of modern regulations. Gay Fad now works with over 75 clients.

Choose from our large selection of unique and hard-to-find Gay Fad Mid-Century cocktail glassware and barware, perfect for entertaining or for a special gift. A trailblazer of her time, Fran set Gay Fad Studios apart by elevating glassware with bold and colourful designs as well as by empowering women in the workforce — a bold and progressive stance for the period.

Jason notes that having access to original catalogues and vintage advertisements can also help enthusiasts match items to gay fad glassware designs, giving an extra layer of certainty to their finds. With the revival of Gay Fad Studios comes new insight into the distinctive traits key to identifying and proving authenticity of pieces from the original lines of production. Gay Fad Studios’ designs were known for the detail patterns and vibrant colors.

The partners, always happy to share their expertise, encourage new collectors to send them a message with questions or for help in identifying vintage Gay Fad finds. Gay Fad Studios painted on blank glass pieces manufactured by Anchor Hocking, Federal, and other well-known glass companies.

Gay Fad Studios’ story starts in The Great Depression was still fresh in people’s lives and households, and Fran Taylor saw a need to bring joy back into daily life. Taylor, then only 24 years old, spent $30 launching the first stage of her business—what would become Gay Fad Studios.

Among the iconic names of the era, one brand is now making an inspiring return after decades out of production — Gay Fad Studios in Lancaster, Ohio. The most popular Gay Fad pieces to collect are juice pitcher and glasses sets, cookie jars, frosted barware, “Tipsy Drunk” martini glasses, and Fire King-collaborated flower glassware. Now, as curious customers enter the store, the pair offer warm welcomes evocative of mid-century hosts greeting guests at a cocktail party, both of them gracious, attentive, informative and brimming with nostalgic charm — hold the Jello salad.

Learn about the regions rich legacy in glassware production as you attend cocktail parties, classes, expert presentations, a barware vendor show, museum exhibits, tiki and more!. Check out our gay fad glass selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our barware shops. Whether bold and bright, or kitschy and cute, or altogether unapologetically artistic, mid-century glassware brought character to homes and style to everyday objects and still does!

This is why you can find glassware that has both the GF signature and an anchor stamp. Jason, bespectacled in dramatic black frames and topped with a lightsomely placed beanie, has a personal style fitting for the purveyor of the unique art glass lining the shelves of the shop. As collectors navigate these pieces today, Jason and David encourage them to view each item with historical awareness and context.