Josh Simpson, one of the most innovative figures to emerge from the studio glass movement, found early inspiration in the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933). Simpson, a Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts artist (born 1949), was captivated by the iridescent qualities of Tiffany & Company’s renowned Favrile glass. As a young glassmaker, he sought to replicate these exquisite glowing qualities, achieving luminous results. Over time, Simpson expanded on Tiffany’s work, developing new methods and formulas that pushed the boundaries of glassmaking. Despite being separated by a century, both artists are united by their unrelenting curiosity, high artistic standards, and fascination with the natural world. While Tiffany’s vases, lamps, and windows bring the beauty of gardens and landscapes into the homes of art lovers, Simpson’s glasswork invites viewers to consider the ocean’s depths, the night sky, and the frontiers of human exploration.
Gilded Echoes places the works of these two great American glassmakers in dialogue, examining Tiffany’s influence on Simpson and their shared creative impulses. The exhibition features early works by Simpson, alongside mature examples of his renowned starry New Mexico glass and vibrant, multicolored Corona glass. Displaying objects from the generous gift of collectors Katie and Jonathan Oakleaf, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to view never-before-exhibited works by Simpson and enjoy the companion exhibition Tiffany’s Gardens in Glass.
Exhibition made possible by the generosity of glass collectors Katie and Jonathan Oakleaf, reflecting their insightful acquisition of early works by Josh Simpson and philanthropic spirit.
Tiffany’s Gardens in Glass
This gem of an exhibition illuminates the path from inspiration to expression by presenting a selection of Tiffany Studios’ nature study photographs along with the lush botanical lamps and windows that made the Studios famous.
Louis C. Tiffany’s tireless exploration of glass as a creative medium and his enduring love of nature’s beauty prevailed in his visionary artistic approach. He staffed his Studios with designers, artists, and artisans who shared his passion for the rich colors and sinuous forms found in nature. Their skill, along with the vast range of colors and effects available to them, made it possible for Tiffany Studios to translate natural forms faithfully into glass: velvety or paper-thin petals, waxy or veined leaves, dappled sunlight or shadow, and much more. Perpetually in bloom, Tiffany’s floral lamps and landscape windows embody his Studios’ hallmark sophisticated design and exquisite craftsmanship.
Organized by The Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass, Queens, New York.
Sponsored by the Campbell Family.
Images: Detail of Daffodil Library Lamp, made in New York, sometime between 1900 and 1910. Created by Tiffany Studios under the artistic direction of Louis C. Tiffany (1848–1933). The Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass, Queens, NY; Poppy Library Lamp with Moth Lamp Screen, made in New York, sometime between 1900 and 1910. Created by Tiffany Studios under the artistic direction of Louis C. Tiffany (1848–1933). The Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass, Queens, NY.
