John Frederick Amelung
German-American glass artist
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John Frederick Amelung (c. 1741–1798) was a German-American glass artist active in Maryland.
John Frederick Amelung | |
|---|---|
Johann Friedrich Amelung | |
| Born | c. 1741 or 1742 Bremen, Free City of Bremen |
| Died | 1798 Maryland, U.S. |
| Known for | Founder of New Bremen Glass manufactory, German-style engraved glass |
| Style | Decorative glass |
| Patrons | George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin (supported business) |
Biography
He was born in the free city of Bremen in either 1741 or 1742. A glassmaker by trade, Amelung immigrated to Baltimore, Maryland in 1784.[1] In Maryland, he became the founder of the New Bremen Glass manufactory. The company had the support of people like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin.[citation needed]
The business produced decorative glass similar to Stiegel glass from 1784 to about 1795. Some of the glass products contained engraved decorative ornaments in the German style.[citation needed] The company made detailed pieces including works for the brother of Maryland's first governor, Thomas Johnson.[1] His business was successful, benefiting from the young American nation's desire for economic independence from Great Britain.[2] The factory suffered a fire to part of its complex during its first decade in business. A loan request for expansion was denied in 1790.[3]
Amelung died in Maryland in 1798.[2]
