SPOTLIGHT
Crystal Clear: Ted Muehling Selects Lobmeyr Glass
words: Anna Carnick, courtesy: artslope
images: Andrew Garn
Article posted May 25, 2010
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Black and Gold

*Above: “Black and Gold” Water pitcher. Designed by Karl Massanetz (Czech, 1890–1918). Manufactured for J. & L. Lobmeyr. Vienna, Austria, 1913–14. Glass. Museum purchase through gift of Arthur Liu and Anonymous Donor and from General Acquisitions Endowment Fund.

Now showing at Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum: “Ted Muehling Selects: Lobmeyr Glass from the Permanent Collection.”

Jewelry and decorative arts designer Ted Muehling has been invited to curate a Cooper-Hewitt show of more than 100 pieces by legendary Viennese glassmaker, Lobmeyr. The resulting exhibition – which runs through fall 2010 – features J. & L. Lobmeyr glassware from 1835 to 2008 (spanning nearly the entire history of the firm) from the museum’s permanent collection, alongside original drawings lent by Lobmeyr, and other related works from the museum’s collection. The result is a thoughtful show, grouped by period, that demonstrates the timelessness of Lobmeyr’s glassware, the company’s influence on the modern aesthetic, and the its ongoing collaborative spirit.

Over the years, Lobmeyr has collaborated with an amazing list of designers and artists, including Josef Hoffmann, Adolf Loos, Michael Powolny and Josef Wimmer. The collection also features works by major 19th-century designers, such as Ludwig Lobmeyr and Josef Storck, as well as glass by contemporary designers like Max Lamb and Polka.

Muehling, who has also created his own designs in glass for Lobmeyr (see below!), brings a unique perspective to the show, and has chosen works that celebrate the art of drinking and entertaining.

Celebrated for its clear, simple forms, many of the Lobmeyr’s designs have been in continuous production since their introduction in the mid-19th century. One of Lobmeyr’s most celebrated commissions is the Starburst Chandeliers at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.

According to Lobmeyr co-owner Leonid Rath, “Our parents conserved an appreciation for quality and the abilities of craftsman. We inherited a great opportunity…and we have a great love for designers in a time when people are fed up by superficial products.” Rather than compromising on quality, he says, Lobmeyr continues to create quality work that simultaneously pleases the contributing designers, the company and the public. “There is no tradeoff.”

“Ted Muehling Selects” is the 10th in a series of small one-gallery exhibitions in the Nancy and Edwin Marks Gallery. The museum invites guest curators from all around the world to create exhibitions and installations interpreted in their own voice from works in the museum’s permanent collection
Josephine

*Above: "Josephine" bedside bottle Designed by POLKA (Marie Rahm (Austrian) and Monica Singer (Austrian). Manufactured by Bšhmische Manufaktur for J & L Lobmeyr. Vienna, Austria, 2006. Glass. Museum purchase from General Acquisition Fund.
Ambassador

*Above: "Ambassador" wine decanter, pattern no. 240. Designed by Oswald Haerdtl (Austrian, 1899–1959). Manufactured for J. & L. Lobmeyr. Vienna, Austria, 1925. Glass. Museum purchase through gift of Arthur Liu and Anonymous Donor and from General Acquisitions Endowment Fund.
Butterfly

*Above: "Butterfly” Tumbler, pattern no. 279. Designed by Ted Muehling (American, b.1953) . Manufactured for J. & L. Lobmeyr. Austria, 2007. Glass. Museum purchase through gift of Arthur Liu and Anonymous Donor and from General Acquisitions Endowment Fund.

pattern no. 218

*Above: Group of table glass, "pattern no. 218" . Designed by Stefan Rath (Austrian, 1876–1960). Manufactured for J. & L. Lobmeyr. Vienna, Austria, ca. 1905. Glass. Museum purchase through gift of Arthur Liu and Anonymous Donor and from General Acquisitions Endowment Fund.

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