In a major moment for collectors, historians, and decorative arts enthusiasts, Vaseline Glass Collectors, Inc. (VGCI) and The Stretch Glass Society have unveiled two landmark permanent exhibitions at the National Glass Museum in Wellington, Kansas, coinciding with the museum’s grand reopening in March 2026. Together, the adjoining installations celebrate two visually striking and historically significant traditions of American glassmaking: the shimmering iridescence of stretch glass and the luminous yellow uranium glass known as Vaseline glass.
The stretch glass exhibition presents one of the largest and most diverse public displays of its kind ever assembled. Featuring rare and museum-quality examples across a range of colors, finishes, and production styles, the installation highlights the creativity of American glassmakers during the early twentieth century, when decorative glassware played a central role in home entertaining and design. Among the most notable pieces is a monumental 17-inch red iridescent stretch glass plate produced by Fenton, one of only a few known examples worldwide and the only one not held in a private collection. Its scale, rarity, and brilliance make it a centerpiece of both the exhibition and the broader study of stretch glass.
Despite its beauty and historical importance, stretch glass has long been underrepresented in museum collections. This installation marks a significant step forward in preserving and elevating the field within American decorative arts. The exhibit is dedicated to the memory of John Madeley, co-author of the definitive reference work American Iridescent Stretch Glass (1998), whose scholarship helped transform stretch glass from a niche collecting interest into a recognized area of academic and curatorial study.
The adjoining Vaseline glass exhibition, scheduled for completion by late summer 2026, offers a captivating exploration of yellow uranium glass, cherished since the nineteenth century for its distinctive color and remarkable optical properties. Created by adding trace amounts of uranium dioxide to molten glass, Vaseline glass appears bright yellow in daylight but glows an այլworldly neon green under blacklight, a phenomenon discovered only after the invention of ultraviolet lighting. Drawing from the collections of VGCI members, including the noted collection of charter member Bob Peper, the exhibit showcases a wide range of forms and styles, from pressed and cut glass to opalescent and iridized examples.
Bob Peper is further honored through VGCI’s contribution of two glass display cabinets to the museum. An avid collector and traveler, Peper was known for his passion for uranium glass and his dedication to building an extensive library of glass scholarship, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire collectors and researchers alike.
The National Glass Museum, created by the National Depression Glass Association, is dedicated to showcasing the breadth of American glassmaking. Its collection spans Early American Pattern Glass of the late 1800s, Depression-era and elegant glass from the early to mid-twentieth century, and mid-century modern designs, with ongoing work to expand into American Brilliant Cut Glass. The addition of the stretch and Vaseline glass exhibits enriches this already extensive collection, offering visitors a more complete view of the artistry and innovation that define American glass.
Located just south of Wichita off I-35, the museum is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for travelers and enthusiasts alike. Visitors this summer are invited to experience these remarkable new exhibits and discover the enduring beauty and history of American glass.
Media Contact
Company Name: Stretch Glass Society / Vaseline Glass Collectors Inc
Contact Person: Calvin Hackeman
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: https://www.stretchglasssociety.org/
