Skip to main content

Gardner, Paul Vickers, 1908-1994

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1908 (date of birth) - 1994 (date of death) - 1994

Biography

Born in 1908, Paul V. Gardner spent his working life, nearly 30 years, as a curator of ceramics and glass at the Smithsonian Institution. Prior to that, he assisted Frederick Carder at Corning Glass Works while a student at Alfred University, where he studied ceramics. His experience working for Carder prompted Gardner to merge his interests in ceramics and glass.

Gardner continued to work at the Steuben Division alongside Carder after he graduated from Alfred. He designed Pyrex ovenware and glass architectural details for the Empire State Building and the RCA Building in New York City. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Gardner joined the Smithsonian in 1948. He retired in 1977.

Gardner published many articles throughout his long career, as well as a book on his friend and mentor Frederick Carder. _The Glass of Frederick Carder_, published in 1971, is considered to be the definitive book on Steuben Glass Works and founder Frederick Carder. Gardner died in 1994.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Frederick Carder Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS-0017
Scope and Contents The Frederick Carder Papers include both personal and professional materials from the glassmaker's century-long life. The bulk of the collection is composed of sketches and design drawings. It also includes glass recipes, travel diaries, correspondence, awards, business and professional records, photographs, and design inspiration. The collection is arranged in 11 series:Series 1: Biographical Information, Circa 1866-1963Series 2: Wordsley School, Circa 1880-1903...
Dates: Circa 1862-1966; Majority of material found within 1880-1942