Williams, Lawrence (1919 (date of birth) - 2016 (date of death))
Dates
- Existence: 1919 (date of birth) - 2016 (date of death) - 2016
Biography
Lawrence "Larry" Williams was born on March 16, 1919, in Oklahoma. In his early teens, he left home to join the carnival. Spending the next several years traveling with the troupe, he learned lampworking along the way. When Williams left the group in the late 1930s, he began his glassblowing business in San Antonio, Texas. Following his service during World War II, Williams returned to San Antonio and set up his shop in La Villita, where he would remain until he retired at age 87. Known as "the Glassblower of La Villita," Williams entertained many visitors over the years, while also earning the respect of his fellow craftsmen through his skill and techniques. Williams died on May 23, 2016, and was buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, in San Antonio, Texas.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Larry Williams Papers
The Larry Williams Papers consist of materials relating to itinerant glass workers. It includes a small amount of correspondence, clippings and other printed materials, and photographs of glass workers.
This collection consists of three series:
(1) Correspondence, 1956
(2) Printed Materials, 1941-1966
(3) Photographic Prints, Circa 1930-1979