Orient & Flume’s early blown glass creations centered on recreating the iridescent glass pieces made famous by such companies as Tiffany, Steuben, and Loetz. While the body of their work is largely a riff on American art nouveau, by 1978 they were experimenting with more contemporary styles. Orient & Flume specialized in recreating the outstanding achievements of famous American companies, such as Tiffany “cypriote” glass and Steuben aurenes. The company regularly drew in other artists with various skills in working glass, including Kathy Orme (a designer who still does sand-carved glass in Chico), Lubomir Richter (a Czech-trained glass engraver who works for Steuben), Dan Shura (an ivory scrimshaw artist now living in Canada), Daniel Boone (a stained-glass artist who now has his own studio in Chico), and Bruce Sillars (a designer and glassblower employed by the company). The company was then relocated to Park Avenue in Chico where it remains to this very day. Orient & Flume’s stunning art glass creations quickly became popular and by 1973 the business had grown too large for the small carriage house. It was at this location that Douglas purchased a historic carriage house and transformed it into an art glass studio. Their first pieces were signed with a double B, indicating Boyd and Ballentine. After returning from their travels they set up their first furnace in Boyd’s backyard, which lay between Orient Street and Flume Street hence the company title. Being a world traveler myself and having lived in Europe for eight years, off and on I can relate to what a wonderful adventure and learning experience it is. I suppose their travels are a highly kept secret entered in their diaries only as I have never read about any of their experiences. ![]() After getting their master’s degrees they traveled all over Europe learning and experiencing the old techniques in glass first hand. Both had studied with Robert Fritz at San José. This piece is still one of my favourites.Ĭreate an account or login in order to post a comment.The company of Orient & Flume was founded in 1972 at Chico, CA, by Douglas Boyd and David Ballentine Hopper. Looking forward to hear what your friend has to say. He was an artist there fore almost from beginning. ![]() I sent a pic to s ott Beyer's at home (he's retired) and he will get back to me. I think EX is actually Ed Alexander and they are very rare. Oops I added submit before I finished, if I talked BB that's the original owners we're located on the corner of orient flume. Orient and flume pieces marked with an initial O,F. To me, that's extra special as you know no others were made! Anyway, the only information she could give me, was that it was an experimental piece. I didn't know that was the same person you contacted, as I was hoping it would be somebody different. I made contact with Ronda the wholesale rep - she's helped me numerous times in the past. Enjoy your Thanksgiving, eat well and be in care. Their retail rep did not know and I sent an email to their general inquires and have had no response. I had planned on doing it, but I wanted to surprise you if I came up with an answer. Come Monday I'm going to be doing some research for you. Thanks Rick - do you recognize the signature? I bought and sold many pieces of Orient and Flume Mac, and this is the most beautiful I've seen! What a wonderful piece! Sorry no info however what a gorgeous piece of contemporary art glass Mac63
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