THE CORN FLOWER
GLASS GALLERY
W. J. Hughes Corn Flower Glass is a Canadian business success story. The striking floral pattern was developed in 1912 by a young glass-cutter named William John Hughes. The Dufferin-born artisan grew his tableware creations into a national brand that has been enjoyed by Canadian families for over a century.
The delicate glassware was sold to working class families, at an affordable price, to add a bit of elegance and charm to their dinner tables. Both W. J. Hughes and his son-in-law Pete Kayser were committed to the basic principles of quality and affordability, and their innovative marketing during the 1950s and 1960s made Corn Flower a household name.
Photograph by Arash Moallemi
With over 2200 pieces, the MoD is home to the largest public collection of W. J. Hughes Corn Flower Glass in the world.
In 2017, the Museum of Dufferin was successful in its application to the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, and received a grant of $150,000 to be put towards a new and permanent Corn Flower Glass Gallery. Custom exhibit cases and state-of-the-art lighting show off the intricate details of the glass. The exhibition features interactive displays, historic photographs of the Dufferin Community, funky advertising materials and of course, the most rare, colourful and quirky Corn Flower Glass…like a toothpick holder shaped like a boot!
We are so pleased to have worked on this project with an amazing team. Thank you to Architects Lebel & Bouliane, Alula Lighting Design and our construction management team, Ritestart Limited. This project was funded by the Government of Canada (Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program), as well as Central Counties Tourism and various private donors.
The new Corn Flower Glass Gallery is one of our favourite new spaces…sparkling glass alongside the story of local Dufferin artisan, W. J. Hughes. Come by for a visit!
Special Note: The MoD would like to congratulate Alula Lighting Design on winning the 2019 Award of Merit for Lighting Design from the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES).
Photos by Ben Rahan / A-Frame
FACT #1
The rarest colours of Corn Flower glass are blue, purple and vaseline (a vibrant yellow). It was difficult for chemists to keep these glass colours consistent during the mixing process. As a result, the Corn Flower company did not sell these colours very often! After 20 years of searching, the MoD has a very small and treasured collection of these pieces.
FACT #2
The MoD has launched an online database that contains photographs and details of the entire Corn Flower Glass collection. This database is available to the public, free of charge. Did a family member pass Corn Flower Glass on to you? Are you a glass collector? Search through the database from the comfort of your own home. Perhaps you will discover some rare and beautiful pieces that you’ve hidden away! Access the database.
FACT #3
Corn Flower Glass became a best seller in Eaton’s and Simpson’s department stores. Because of this success there were many companies that created similar styles of glass with a floral design…there are many “fakes” or “copies” of W. J. Hughes Corn Flower Glass still out there today!
MAJOR SPONSORS
PETER & LOIS KAYSER
LOIS Y. BLACK
The MoD does not sell Corn Flower Glass from our collection. The MoD does not generally buy Corn Flower Glass for the artifact collection from private sellers.
Corn Flower Consignment Sale: The Museum of Dufferin has cancelled the Corn Flower Glass Consignment Sale until further notice. Please keep an eye on our website and social media for updates.
Corn Flower Fundraising Program: This Corn Flower Glass is sold in our Gift Shop. All proceeds go to the MoD. If you are not concerned about selling your Corn Flower Glass and would just like to donate them to our Corn Flower Fundraising Program, we appreciate your support! Please contact: info@dufferinmuseum.com