Field Bindweed Vase, Imperial Glass Factory, 1914

The backstory of Imperial Glass began in the 1730s with a small production of the English merchant Elmsel on the Fontanka. He was charged with making products brought to the yard, as well as items for general sale. In 1755, by decree of the Senate, the production was transferred from the city to Yamburg, and later to the village of Nazyu near Shliselburg. In 1777, Catherine the Great donated the plant to Prince Potemkin, hoping for his care. This date is considered to be the time of foundation of the Imperial Glass Factory. Later, the Most Serene One transferred production to his estate Ozerki, and after the death of the prince in 1792, the plant was officially called the Imperial Glass Factory and passed into the jurisdiction of the Cabinet of His Imperial Majesty. The "Regulations on the Imperial Glass Factory" required the production of "art items to be presented to the Imperial Court and to be awarded to various persons and institutions on the highest behalf from the Cabinet of His Majesty." The plant also carried out private orders received through the shop of the Glass Factory, located in Quarenghi′s office on Nevsky Prospect and with the approval of His Majesty′s office. The factory regularly replenished the royal and grand ducal storerooms with crystal ware and gifts. The heyday of interior glass fell on the 1820s and is associated with trophy bronze and glass. Many famous architects have worked for the Glass Factory, including Voronikhin, Brenna and Rossi. By the end of the 19th century, the plant produced about 20,000 items per year. Participated in art and industrial exhibitions and was a landmark of St. Petersburg. The fashion for Art Nouveau glass gave the last splash in the production of artistic crystal at the Imperial Glass Factory. World war and crisis put an end to production. After a series of unsuccessful attempts to revive production, the plant was closed in 1917.