The History of Orient and Flume Art Glass

Orient & Flume was founded in 1972 by noted glass artist Douglas Boyd. The company’s unique name was derived from its location between Orient Street and Flume Street in Chico, California. It was at this location that Douglas purchased an historic carriage house and transformed it into an art glass studio. The studio’s stunning art glass creations quickly became popular and by 1973 the business had grown too large for the small carriage house. The company was then relocated to Park Avenue in Chico where it remains to this very day.

The studio’s early blown glass creations centered on recreating the iridescent glass pieces made famous by such companies as Tiffany, Steuben, and Loetz. Over time this evolved into their current creations of three dimensional designs within clear glass. This eye-catching effect is part of what makes their vases and paperweights so valuable among glass collectors.

Artists Bruce Sillars, Chris Sherwin, Richard Braley, Scott Beyers and William Carter work individually as well as collaboratively to create the breathtaking works of art produced at Orient and Flume. While most Orient & Flume art glass creations do somewhat adhere to a common theme, each artist has the freedom to add their own individual touch and style.

Orient & Flume’s art glass works can be found in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian Museum, the Chicago Art Institute, the Metropolitan Museum, the Chrysler Museum and the Corning Glass Museum. In addition they can be found in numerous private collections and galleries worldwide. Their beautiful works are admired and respected by glass collectors worldwide.