Ferrum Professor Donates American Brilliant Cut Glass Collection to College

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    Ferrum College Professor of Mathematics Anthony “Tony” Giesen is donating his extraordinary collection of American Brilliant cut glass to the College. Many of these exquisite hand cut works will be on exhibit at Ferrum College in the newly created Anthony Giesen Gallery of American Brilliant Cut Glass in the Skeens Alumni Conference Center.

     Giesen’s collection, amassed over a 50-year period, includes a number of select rarities and represents examples of the world-renowned artistry of the “American Brilliant” period, circa 1876-1916. Many of the nearly 300-pieces in the collection are complete with the maker’s signature, adding to the overall value. Representative pieces of the total collection will be rotated for this continually changing, but permanent exhibit. Among higher education institutions, only Texas A&M has a similar collection on display. However, those who view Giesen’s collection will find it to be not only larger, but also more unique.

     Giesen has taught for over 40 years at Ferrum College and is the College’s longest serving faculty member. He decided to donate the collection to the College as a way to “give back.” He says the Gallery will give people an opportunity to see this elegant and unparalleled art form first hand. “I want everyone to see the pieces up close,” Giesen says. “Pictures don’t do them justice; it’s something you have to see up close to really appreciate.” He hopes that not only will students, faculty, staff and community members come to the Gallery, but other collectors as well. He says many collectors will find pieces on display in the Gallery that they, themselves, have never been able to find.

     Ferrum College faculty and staff are invited to a special preview of the collection at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 2. An invitation-only dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 3rd.

     For more information about the Giesen Gallery, contact the Public Relations department at 540-365-4300.

    Ferrum College is a four-year, private, co-educational, liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Ferrum offers a choice of nationally recognized bachelor’s degree programs at a cost well below the national average for private colleges. For more information on Ferrum, visit www.ferrum.edu.