The Fenton Art Glass Co. is an American original. Two brothers, Frank L. Fenton and John W. Fenton, founded the company in 1905, after the brothers had gotten tired of decorating less-than-stellar blank glass pieces. They developed their own manufacturing facility and opened a factory two years later in Williamstown, West Virginia.

The Fenton Brothers found success almost immediately and soon developed their own style of very unusual colored glass. They drew upon the designs of major glassmakers. During the first year of production, Fenton introduced a kind of glass that the manufacturers dubbed 'iridescent.' Today, this iridescent glass (also called carnival glass), is extremely collectible. During the Great Depression, the Fenton Art Glass Co. produced pieces like tableware and bowls to help common families get through the crisis.

Shortly after World War II ended, a new generation of Fentons took over the company. Although many American glass companies closed down over the next 30 years, the Fenton Art Glass Company thrived and expanded. In 1986, George W. Fenton took over the company from his father, Frank, and introduced a slate of new designs and ornamented pieces.

The Fenton Art Glass operation in West Virginia attracts thousands of tourists every year. Indeed, Rand McNally ranked the Fenton Art Glass tour as one of the best on the road excursions for 2006. USA Today, as well, included the Fenton tour as one of its Top 10 Factory Tours. The company combines modern style with classic techniques to produce inimitable wares.