History and more
why we started the erlacher collection
Max & Kitty Erlacher
Kitty grew up in Corning, New York, and met Max when he came to Corning to work for Steuben Glass, as their Master Copper Wheel Glass Engraver. Max Erlacher was a master of cold working techniques and copper, stone, and diamond engraving. In 1957, Erlacher moved to Corning, New York after being certified as a Master Engraver by Lobmeyr and became one of the most renowned engravers at Steuben Glass. In addition to his work for Steuben, Erlacher owned his own business with his wife, Kitty, and made works of art that were given as gifts to former presidents and other dignitaries. Erlacher was a frequent instructor at The Studio at the Corning Museum of Glass and worked on numerous glass collaborations with other artists and projects for museums and private collectors. Their love of glass led them to begin their first business in 1974. They currently have their shop on Corning’s Historic Market Street, which also features one-of-a-kind exhibition pieces engraved by Max Erlacher. The Erlacher Collection is the largest glass shop in the United States to feature original clear Steuben Glass.
July 20, 2022
We regretfully share the sad news that Master Engraver and longtime member of the Steuben glass community, Max Erlacher, has passed away. Max worked for many years at Steuben Glass and owned his own business, creating beautiful works of art in engraved glass. He graciously shared his talents and knowledge with the community to our joyful benefit. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Kitty Erlacher, and his family.
History and more
Crusader Bowl
Image Credit: Steuben
STEUBEN GLASS
Steuben Glass was founded in 1903 by Frederick Carder. In 1933, Arthur Houghton, Jr. began to focus on making “the most perfect crystal the world has ever known.” Steuben’s 10M formula possessed unsurpassed brilliance and clarity with an extremely high index of refraction. Steuben artisans created internationally recognized and admired glass pieces. The Erlacher Steuben Glass Collection features vintage Steuben, including ornamentals, animals, vases, bowls, barware, and exhibition pieces.
MAX ERLACHER ENGRAVINGS
Max Roland Erlacher, at age 15, began studying the fine art of copper wheel glass engraving at the newly established Glass Technical School in Kramsach, Austria. Upon completion, he went to Vienna to begin work at J&L Lobmeyr. In 1956, He earned his Master Certification, and one year later he arrived in Corning, New York to begin his illustrious career at Steuben. One-of-a-kind examples can be found at the Corning Museum of Glass, The Smithsonian Institution, Annenberg Collection, and other private collections worldwide.