Frances Stewart Higgins

American, 1912-2004

BiographyFrances and her husband Michael Higgins, who met at the Chicago Institute of Design, were pioneers in the rediscovery and refinement of glass fusing. Because it is so labor-intensive, fusing had been all but abandoned in favor of glass blowing by the mid-twentieth century. The Higgins developed a niche market for functional and decorative glass objects for the American home.

Originally, the Studio operated out of the Higgins' Chicago apartment, with kilns set up behind the sofa. Everyday items, such as bowls and plates, were transformed, through a mix of geometric and curved lines, and bold use of color, into objects still useful, yet also visually vibrant and exciting. Promoted as “an exclamation point in your decorating scheme”, the unique blend of artistry and practicality that Higgins glassware offered quickly attracted buyers. Working round-the-clock in split shifts, Michael and Frances met ever-increasing orders from such major retailers as Marshall Field's, Georg Jensen, and Bullock's Wilshire. Their Studio operation moved to more traditional surroundings in 1957, thanks to a partnership with Dearborn Glass Company of Chicago. The Higgins name received national exposure through Dearborn's extensive, and heavily promoted, line of “Higginsware”. The line included, in addition to a full range of tableware, everything from lamps and ashtrays, to candleholders and “Rondelays” for use as room dividers, window treatments, and other décor applications. In 1966, following their Dearborn tenure, and a brief stay at Haeger Potteries, Michael and Frances Higgins elected to return to private studio work. Here, they were free to set their own goals, meet their own standards, and design in the direction their hearts and minds led them. Since 1966, the Higgins Glass Studio has been located in Riverside, Illinois.

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