the Blenko Water Bottle

As many proud West Virginians and glass collectors know, Blenko Glass is a family owned and operated hand blown glass company that has called southern West Virginia home since 1921 (although it was established in 1893). Their craftsmanship is unmatched and the techniques they use to this day are rooted in the Old World methods that were first established hundreds of years ago.

my favorite Blenko Water Bottle

I grew up not too far from their manufacturing facilities and recall taking many school field trips and visiting with out-of-town family to watch this timeless art unfold right before our eyes. I recall the process vividly as it was unlike anything I had ever seen. The sights, sounds, and smells of the factory floor remain etched in my brain to this day.

As the daughter of two Arts and Crafts movement admirers (and my dad was a woodworker), I grew up with many Blenko pieces scattered throughout our home - serving platters, vases, bowls, and of course, the iconic Blenko Water Bottle (pictured here). Blenko glassware was also what you bought as gifts for anniversaries, house warmings, weddings, etc. and their water bottle was and remains today one of its most recognizable pieces. Produced in many colors and two different sizes, this icon makes for such a special and unique gift. In fact, the one you see in this picture was given to me by a dear friend as a housewarming gift many moons ago. 

While the story behind the water bottle is one of necessity, it combined form and function. During the 1930’s, electric “ice boxes”, the precursor to the refrigerator, were quite small and their narrow interior shelves and doors weren’t really conducive to large or wide items. The thin design, two spouts, and center indentation of the bottle made it easier to maneuver, provided for a more efficient use of space, and kept water cold. 

I have West Coast Blenko stories as well . When I lived in Portland,OR I was working for an organization and was attending a meeting at a board member’s house. Upon entering, I immediately spotted a beautiful green Blenko Water Bottle on the built-in shelf of her Craftsman home. I told her that I knew who made it and my connection to Blenko, and at the next meeting she was pouring water for us from her Blenko Water Bottle. Another time, I had a dear friend visiting from Bend, OR, when she asked about the water bottles I had displayed and I of course, was happy to tell the story. That evening, we took a walk to my favorite thrift store, and literally couldn’t believe it when I heard her yell from across the store ”Amy! Is this a Blenko?!”, and there in her hand, was a clear (also my favorite), genuine Blenko Water Bottle. 

While this iconic piece of art is to be cherished and admired for sure, don’t forget to take off the shelf and actually use it! I use my Blenko Water Bottles for Sunday breakfasts with my partner Dan as well as brunches and dinner parties with friends and family. Aside from their beauty and functionality, they are also wonderful conversation starters, and give me yet another opportunity to brag about my home state of West Virginia.