Gunderson Glass: Peachblow & Art Glass Revival
Gunderson glass refers to the art glass produced under the direction of Robert Gunderson at the Gunderson-Pairpoint Glass Works in New Bedford, Massachusetts, from the 1930s through the 1950s. Gunderson specialized in reviving 19th-century art glass techniques, most notably producing a celebrated peachblow glass that rivaled the original Mt. Washington peachblow of the 1880s. His pieces are prized for their exceptional craftsmanship and faithful recreation of Victorian-era glass artistry.
History & Background
- 1930s: Robert Gunderson begins working at the Pairpoint Manufacturing Company in New Bedford, Massachusetts
- 1939: Pairpoint closes; Gunderson acquires equipment and reopens as Gunderson Glass Works
- 1940s-1950s: Production of peachblow, Burmese-type glass, and other art glass revivals
- 1952: Company reorganized as Gunderson-Pairpoint; continues art glass production
- 1957: Robert Gunderson dies; production continues briefly under other management
- 1958: Factory closes; some equipment later used by other New Bedford glassworkers
Identification & Marks
- Paper labels: Most Gunderson pieces carried paper labels reading "Gunderson" or "Gunderson-Pairpoint" -- frequently lost
- Unmarked pieces: Many surviving examples lack any mark; identified by glass characteristics and provenance
- Pontil marks: Hand-blown pieces show polished pontil marks on the base
- Glass quality: Gunderson peachblow has a distinctive satin or glossy finish with smooth color transition
- Color gradient: Peachblow transitions from deep rose at top to pale cream or white at base
Types & Styles
| Type | Description | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Peachblow | Shaded rose-to-cream art glass | Most famous Gunderson product |
| Burmese-type | Yellow-to-pink shaded glass | Revival of Mt. Washington style |
| Ruby/Cranberry | Deep red blown glass | Traditional New England forms |
| Crystal | Clear blown glass with cutting | Continuation of Pairpoint tradition |
| Colored glass | Various colors in traditional forms | Vases, bowls, decorative pieces |
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peachblow vase, small | $100 | $300 | $800 |
| Peachblow vase, large or unusual form | $200 | $600 | $1,500 |
| Peachblow bowl or compote | $150 | $400 | $1,000 |
| Burmese-type vase | $100 | $350 | $900 |
| Cup and saucer, peachblow | $75 | $250 | $600 |
| Cruet or decanter, peachblow | $200 | $500 | $1,200 |
Condition Factors
- Surface finish: Satin-finish pieces should retain their original matte texture; polishing destroys the intended surface
- Color quality: Rich, even color gradation from rose to cream is essential; faded or uneven shading reduces value
- Chips and scratches: Even small flaws are highly visible on the smooth surfaces of peachblow
- Label presence: Original paper labels, when present, significantly increase value and confirm attribution
- Form quality: Well-proportioned, symmetrical forms indicate skilled production
Collecting Tips
- Gunderson peachblow is often confused with original 19th-century Mt. Washington peachblow; glass weight, color characteristics, and form details help distinguish them
- Pieces retaining original paper labels command significant premiums
- The satin (acid-finished) peachblow is generally more desirable than the glossy version
- Gunderson glass represents excellent value compared to original Victorian art glass while offering comparable aesthetic quality
- New Bedford glass history collectors often seek Gunderson alongside Pairpoint and Mt. Washington pieces
- Complete sets (pitcher and tumblers, cup and saucer pairs) are rare and bring strong premiums