Chalet to be grateful for

September 21st is World Gratitude Day. It was created in the United Nations in 1965 by spiritual leader Sri Chinmoy. Its purpose is to not only give people the opportunity to offer personal gratitude, but also to remember gratitude is an essential emotion that should be universally shared. So, today I am going to stop and reflect and share.

I cannot adequately express how personally grateful for everything that I have in my life – family, friends, pets, the opportunity to live in peace and health, personal freedoms, chances to connect with others … I know how incredibly lucky I am and cherish the life that I lead. Another important thing that I am grateful for is the luxury to be able to be creative as well as having the time and opportunity to appreciate beauty. Many are denied these gifts. Appreciation of beauty and being able to channel this into a creative path is where my Chalet plays a key role in my life.

Therefore, I thought it would be an excellent “gratitude exercise” to visually express the feelings evoked by my collection as I know the joy of collecting and appreciation of the art glass is shared by all the members of our glass community. Not only does the sight of the glass always makes me smile but its shine is good for the soul. My love for it has led me down wonderful paths and to unexpected places – namely, meeting the artists, being part of a community that shares my passions and being able to express my feelings for this through writing.

I love all my pieces – the ones that I live with today are those which I have kept through three massive moves and downsizes. However, these are the 20 pieces that are especially significant to me. Pieces that evoke memories and feelings for which I am grateful. And this is the piece that started it all. When I found this massive crystal twist vase in 2009 in Pat’s Place (in the village of Bloomfield, Ontario), I actually felt myself connect to it in a way that I had never felt before. It was the impetus that turned me from “decorating with Chalet” to “seriously collecting Chalet.” I was impelled to buy it. There was absolutely no question.

This amber vase stands 17” and weighs 17 lbs. It is the largest crystal twist we know of to date. Etched “Chalet Canada.” It is photographed here with a signed 8” mini.

My first significant e-bay buy was also in 2009. I had been obsessed with obtaining a Chalet “splash.” I was a new collector and an e-bay neophyte. I was terrified that I would not win it. I remember sitting at the computer as the seconds counted down in the auction. Shaking and constantly increasing my high bid offer. When I was the winner at the close of the auction – I did a very exuberant victory “happy dance” around my office which sent Annie (office companion cat) flying off my desk in the annoyed huff she usually reserved in displeasure of one of my loud sneezing fits. Adrenaline spent – I fell back into my chair and just gloated. An obnoxious form of gratitude.

I love displaying my olive green forms together with my sapphire blue pieces. I find the combination very Zen.

My first “hunting in the Wild score” also occurred during my first year of collecting. I spotted this fingertip vase at the Seaway Treasures flea market in Brockville, Ontario. I literally pounced on it. When I took it down from the shelf, I was elated to find that I had been right – my suspicion that this was a Chalet piece were correct as it retained an original Chalet label. I was still a new collector and had never seen this form before. I knew nothing about its rarity or worth. I just was so pleased that my gut feeling of “That’s Chalet” was verified. I strutted over to the counter with it and whipped out my credit card. I had no idea of its price as I hadn’t even looked.

Its price in 2009 was $30.00. In 2024 dollars that translates to $42.24. This piece is also in the display shown in the photo above.

In 2010 I was the lead coordinator and exhibitor for the “Art and Artisans of Chalet Glass” exhibit in Cornwall, Ontario. This is where my real research into the glass and education about its history received a massive kick start. As part of organizing the event, I was privileged to meet many of the Chalet artists. They showed me their personal collections, shared photographs and stories, answered hundreds of questions… And Chalet Maestro Giulio Gatto gifted me with 2 pieces of Chalet fruit. The banana and a ghiaccio lemon are exceedingly rare. As well, he gave me photographs of him blowing glass at Chalet and Rossi and three original Chalet catalogue sheets. I cannot tell you how incredibly touched I was. And awed and jubilant too! These were the first catalogue sheets I owned. And he had made the pieces himself. Chalet artists Gianfranco Guarnieri and Antonio Tedesco also gave me copies of photographs taken at Chalet. The exhibit and all the associated experiences truly had a transformative impact on my life – both as a collector and a person. I am very grateful that these brought, and continue to bring, so many positive moments my way.

I am thankful for finding a Chalet paperweight just before the 2010 show. Why? I put it on display and discovered that this piece was a huge shock to the artists. In fact, their surprise upon seeing many of the pieces on loan, including those made containing uranium, was the first time I realized how secretive and compartmentalized glass production was at Chalet. It was not a studio environment but a factory where a strict hierarchy, as in the glasshouses of Murano, was followed. Again, a very enlightening moment and others like this throughout the duration of the retrospective were quite frequent. This gave me an enhanced appreciation of how hard the artists worked at Chalet. And of how they had been viewed and their own perceptions of themselves. It totally put into perspective their utter delight at being recognized, albeit belatedly, for their talents, artistry and contributions. A very humbling series of realization. Ones which also served to connect me firmly to the glass, its makers, and its history.

The paperweight on display at the 2010 exhibit.

The paperweight on display (in the upper right grouping) Vancouver 2024.

In 2010, in conjunction with the exhibit, I launched my first Chalet Web site. Attached to it was “The Chalet Collectors’ Forum” which was the Facebook group equivalent of that day. Through this, I got to know other members of the then, quite small, glass community and started to meet some collectors in person. Some of whom are actually members of 50 Shades today as well. Most significantly – Alex Wicks. Another collector from British Columbia that I grew quite close to was David Fisher. He was a retired high school principal who collected mostly Murano made glass but had grown intrigued by Chalet when he found a mouth blown vase etched “Chalet Canada.” He had assumed it was Italian until he turned it over and saw the signature. I met David in Vancouver on a trip visiting my daughter. He brough more pictures of the Chalet vase that had triggered his interest in Canadian glass and we went to a gallery selling Chalet that he had not been to before. I am smiling as I write this as we were “kicked out” of the store for not buying anything. David was aghast at the way we were treated as he was a very courtly and mannered older Scottish gentleman who exclaimed to my husband, “I have never been asked to leave anywhere in my life!” One of my favourite Chalet memories.

I had asked David to tell me if he ever wanted to sell the vase. He promised to do so. However, I shut down my Web site and the Forum and dropped out of the glass community for several years (though still collected) and we eventually lost touch. When I saw the vase had been offered for sale by a FB “Buy and Sell” group, I subsequently learned that David had died. I was very saddened by the news. However, I was able to track down the vase, after it had gone through two other collectors’ hands, and it now is a cherished piece in my collection. As it was meant to be. I get immense feelings of satisfaction from this. And I am very territorial about this piece.

The first completely mouth blown Chalet vase that I saw. Etched “Chalet Canada.”

It has returned to Vancouver. My dining room displays. You will also see the 17” crystal twist, first image in article, in the far left back corner of the sideboard.

Receiving unexpected gifts from your children, friends or partner is always lovely And when these are gifts of Chalet glass, they are especially treasured as there is an instant special fondness for those pieces. Gratitude for their efforts to share your passion only heightens the appreciation for their thoughtfulness.

My son is an exceptionally talented artist and designer – he has done the layout for all my books and both my Web sites. He is also thoughtful and creative. In 2011, when I received the “for edit” copy from my printer of the “ Shapes and Colours of Chalet Art Glass,” I was dumbfounded upon opening it. The first page was of vellum with a poem about the glass printed on it which was written by my daughter who is a talented writer. The vellum sheet overlaid an absolutely stunning picture of a “pink” Chalet ashtray.

Pink is my favourite colour. He may not have given me the actual piece but he gave me the gift of such a fierce bond to that piece that it will never be “rehomed.”

On display with Chalet (rear) and EDAG (right) vases.

Another Chalet gift. A Christmas present from my daughter. We found this kicky little ashtray (etched Chalet Canada) together on a 2012 hunting trip out in the Wild. My children continue to come “hunt” and collaborate with me on my books and articles. I am immensely grateful not only to have them in my life but that as adults they willingly share their talents to enhance my passions. It is on display in the grouping with the paperweight shown above.

This ashtray must have been made by a very happy soul as it just screams, “I’m adorable. Love me.”

A fellow exhibitor and Cornwall native was Raymond Caron. We stayed in touch after the retrospective’s close and, in 2011 when Ray’s brother-in-law found this Don Shepherd for Chalet vase, in the Cornwall Value Village, he contacted me to see if I would like to add it to my collection. Suffice to say – that was a pretty easy “YES!”

I had known of this line of atypical heavy vases and bottles since the exhibit and following interviews and photo shoots for my first book (shown above) but had never found one myself. I drove from Kingston to Cornwall with a lifelong friend who also is an interior designer and artist. We met Ray and collected my precious new piece. Then we had lunch and spent the rest of the day shopping in Cornwall. A trip to both the Pitt Street Pawn shop and Johnson’s Antiques were “have tos.” . On the ride home, Lori sat for the entire journey in the back seat with the vase cradled on her lap. And, at 33 inches, he is a big, heavy boy! I never dust this piece without a smile brought on by thinking back to that day. And always with gratitude to Ray for thinking of me and of having been able to share that adventure with a friend.

My vase. Height 33” and etched “Chalet Canada.” The tallest Chalet vase of any style that we know of to date.

On display with other bottles and vases from this line. 2024.

A bottle from the Don Shepherd/Chalet line at the 2010 exhibit. On loan from Mario Panizzon, son of Chalet *Maestro* Bruno Panizzon.

Chalet *Maestro* Gatto, 2011. Cornwall photo shoot for “The Shapes and Colours of Chalet Art Glass” book. *Maestro* Gatto blew both the vase and the dish shown here. Please note that the dish is from his time at Lorraine Glass Industries.

There are pieces that you sell and then instantly regret so doing. In 2012, I had such an occurrence. However, my emotions were mixed because of to whom I had sold the piece.

A New Yorker reached out through my Web site. She bought several pieces – a Chalet mushroom and Chalet owl figurines. She said those reminded her of her father. She thought if he had been an animal, he would have been an owl and because of this, she had an intense fondness for them. Her last name “Asimov” gave me a niggle. Surely it could not be the daughter of famed science fiction writer Isaac Asimov (I Robot, The Foundation books)! I succumbed to curiosity and did a “Google” search. Yes, I had indeed been chatting with and selling pieces to his daughter. What a “fan girl” moment as I loved his books. So, that feeling helped temporarily mitigate that “I wish I had kept that” feeling.

However, regrets persisted and I am grateful that fellow collector and 50 Shades member Ryan Shawn Robertson helped me replace this piece.

This single configured molded Chalet owl is etched “Chalet Canada.”

I also replaced the white Chalet mushroom I sold to Robyn. Regaining that mushroom figurine was especially heartwarming as I bought it from David Dunkley and Geoffrey Chown when I helped them with the downsizing of their collection in 2019. I had met both in 2010 at the opening reception of the exhibit. They had travelled by train from Toronto to attend the show. We stayed in contact off and on over the years and Geoffrey’s family was from Kingston. His family played a prominent role in the business and civic affairs of the city. They owned Chown’s which was a high end department store which sold Chalet glass. While they are both lovers of the glass (David’s favourite is the Chalet Christmas tree and Geoffrey’s is the Chalet paperweight and I was pleased to help them acquire both their unicorns), they had come to Cornwall specifically to meet Maestro Panizzon. Geoffrey in particular is intrigued by the company’s history and I was thrilled for him when we found Chown advertisements that featured Chalet. They both have also been staunch supporters of my research and writing so replacing my mushroom with one that had been in their collection for so many years was a really special experience. Just one of many that I am grateful for having.

My daughter lusts mightily for this piece. I found one in green for her but her desire for mine did not diminish!

David and Geoffrey at the 2010 Cornwall show.

Over the course of a few years, I had been contacted several times by a dealer about a one-of-a-kind Chalet piece he had for sale. However, the initial price he wanted was not something I was willing to pay. Seemingly, no other collectors had been either, as in 2014, he contacted me again with much more reasonable expectations. This was the first Chalet bullicante piece, excluding the avventurina animal figurines, that I saw. I have since seen and owned others (all the non-animal Chalet bullicante seems to have been done in ambers) but this is the only one I kept. I find it an amusing and lovely little oddity. I really like the unusual and enjoy adding interest to displays of more conventional Chalet styles by popping in something different. It’s fun to see the reactions from others when they spot one of these “OMG” pieces.

This unique paperweight is etched “Chalet Canada.” I call it “the Chalet version of a breast implant.”

In 2016, I added this unusual piece to my collection. I believe it to be another one-of-a-kind piece. This little slag “tree” stands only 4 inches tall but takes up much more room in my heart. A favourite piece. The major reason for this is the Chalet company inventory sticker that was used as a price tag that it retains on its base.

We know that Chalet sold directly from their factory and I believe this was a piece sold from there. I am grateful for the sense of “time and place” that I get from this little “time machine” piece.

A December 19, 1969 Chalet advertisement. Courtesy of the Cornwall Community Museum.

In 2018, we lived in the St. Lawrence Market district of Toronto. In fact, the Sunday antique market was only about 150 steps from our condominium building door. On Sundays, my morning routine was to get a coffee and wander the stalls. Found many a great piece of Chalet there. However, the discovery of one piece stands out far ahead of the rest. Not because of its form but because of its marking and the way the find came about as well as the timing of the find. Here is the story:

A vendor and I had gotten to chatting. She told me she had a piece of uranium Chalet still in her car that she was unsure about selling and asked me my opinion. How she described the piece, she had no pictures, puzzled me as it did not sound like Chalet uranium at all. As we were at a standstill, she asked me if I would watch her tables for a quick minute and she would get it so I could actually see the glass. Of course I agreed.

When she brought it back, I was disappointed in having to tell her that it was not uranium and the form itself was a common production ashtray albeit in a gorgeous blue. She was also disappointed and asked me what it was worth as she had decided to sell it upon learning it did not contain uranium. I asked her if it was signed and she said she didn’t know what that meant. So, I turned it over. It was indeed etched but that is not what rendered me speechless! It also retained what I was able to pinpoint as one of Chalet’s very earliest brandings – the “furnace label.” In 2018, this was a completely new marking for me and the community. And 5 years later, this ashtray remains only one of a handful of pieces of which we know of retaining this branding. Chalet very quickly discontinued using this label and, instead, adopted the big black Chalet label with the canna image.

I bought it on the spot! Then I raced home – giving thanks for short journeys. Why? I was right in the middle of writing “Chalet Crystal Clear.” Timing and coincidence never cease to amaze me and I still smile and shake my head whenever I grace it with the Swiffer.

"CCC" was published in 2019. In 2024, “Chalet Crystal Clear Continued” will be available. It is a completely updated and expanded and rewritten new edition of this i resource book – not a reprint. It is in printing now - 534 pages (CCC had 222 pages) with over 2,400 images (historical and reference photos, catalogue pages, newspaper articles).

In June of 2019, I bought the most expensive piece, to date, that I own. I am grateful for 2 things with regard to this purchase – obviously, that I was able to add it to my collection because of its rarity in form and marking is the first and foremost reason.

A Chalet opaline elephant figurine retaining an exceedingly rare “Boutique Collection” hang tag.

But why, you ask, is the second reason it is special to me? It is a tangible reminder that I don’t often get carried away by “glass fever” as I do not feel the need anymore to own “every single piece of rare Chalet out there. Other collectors are so very generous in sharing their finds of incredible pieces and sending me photographs of these so I can build my research files to share with the community and to author my books and articles that there really is no need. That’s not to say I don’t get the urge! But 99% of the time, the urge fades swiftly and I am so grateful that I have not turned into a “glass zombie.”

On August 18, 2019, our collectors’ group (50 Shades of Chalet) became active. In fact, last month we just celebrated the group’s 5th anniversary with a week-long series of dedicated posts. Unfortunately, one of my first posts in 2019 was concerning two Chalet artists that had passed away since the 2010 exhibit. Specifically, Gianfranco Guarniere (2013) and Giovanni Voltalina (2018). Sadly, since then, Antonio Tedesco passed away in 2022, Maestro Lidio Tagliapietra in 2024 and Maestro Gattoalso passed away during our anniversary week. Upon hearing of Maestro Voltalina’s death, a member, David Mackie, instantly posted his regrets and shared memories of Giovanni. Although David had moved from Cornwall, he had, at one time, lived beside Giovanni and they became friends. In fact, Giovanni gave his wife glass blowing lessons. David was in awe of his talent and had purchased quite a few figurines from him. David’s collection was beautifully curated and extensive. He showed me photographs of several unique Chalet pieces. This etched “Chalet Canada” book end set being one such.

I instantly fell in love. And not with just the pears themselves but also with the story David told me about their origin and how he came to have them. He purchased the set from their original owner – a Cornwall native. She wanted a set of book ends but did not like the apple that was typically one of the pair (you will see a typical apple/pair set in the following video). So, she went directly to the factory and special ordered a set with 2 pears. I found this captivating!

David downsized his collection in 2020 and I was so fortunate that he asked me if I would like them. That was a resounding affirmative! On August 16, 2020 I was able to pick them up from his nephew in Toronto. When I got home, I did this unboxing video which includes shots of my living room displays in Toronto at that time.

You probably noticed the little blue “unicorn” hiding among the Chalet, Lorraine and EDAG. He was a surprise arrival in the mail from 50 Shades member, Canadian glass collector and fellow lover of history Brad McGillivray. Not only does Brad have a “tongue in cheek” sense of humour but also possesses a well-developed sense of fun so he couldn’t resist picking up this piece and sending it on to me.

A “Chalet Canada” signed piece that Raymond Caron had put on loan to the exhibit at the Cornwall show gave us all pause. In 2010, it was one of those, “No way that’s Chalet?” moments. And also, an instant coveting for my collection moment. In March 2022, Chalet artist Antonio Tedesco was able to provide some facts about this line

Raymond Caron’s centerpiece on display at the 2010 Chalet exhibit, Cornwall.

The next place I saw a piece from this line was a vase in Florida. What!

The coveting was intensified – now particularly for a vase. Ah! Satisfaction achieved in 2021 when I was able to add a vase to other styles from the same line that I had found for my collection.

A grouping of the forms I presently own from this line.

In 2021, Don Smith, curator of the Cornwall Community Museum and a valued colleague, contacted me and asked if I would be interested in seeing pictures of an incredibly unique Chalet vase that was for sale privately. Well, you can imagine that a “Yes” reply was pretty quickly given. He then put me in contact with Ian MacNabb – a Cornwall antique dealer. Interestingly, I had met Ian in 2010 while organizing the Cornwall Chalet show. Then, he had owned a flea market on Montreal Road in the city. He now owned the Cornwall Auction Centre on Cornwall Centre Road. When I first met Mr. MacNabb, I took the opportunity to interview both him and his assistant. They told me some “colourful” stories about Chalet and Rossi. Admittedly, some may not be suitable for tender ears but all make me chuckle when I remember those discussions.

I was flabbergasted to learn that Ian was selling this vase on behalf of his son-in-law – Jean Paul Voltalina who is the son of Chalet artist Giovanni Voltalina. The vase instantly attained more significance for me. And this only intensified when I heard the backstory – Giovanni was working at Chalet when the vase was mouth blown by Chalet founders, owners, and Maestri Sergio Pagnin and Luigi Tedesco. So, it would have been made during the period of 1972-1975. Jean Paul could not remember why the two men had made it only that it was outside of working hours and production and that when finished, they asked Giovanni if he would like it.

When I saw Ian’s photographs of the vase, I was so excited. Not only was its provenance verified as a one-of-a-kind mouth blown, non-production piece produced by Pagnin and Tedesco, but it was also a gorgeous and very unusual multi-tone! Perhaps the artists were testing a new colour combination?

I met Jean Paul and Jen MacNabb-Voltalina (who were on vacation) in a Toronto municipal parking lot on August 27, 2021 to pick up the vase. I was delighted to meet them and we talked at some length about Chalet and their fathers

In September of 2021, my husband indulged my wish for a driving “Farewell Tour” of eastern Ontario as we planned to move to Vancouver the next year. And did so. I knew it was likely to be the last chance to see the Chalet artists still in Cornwall, say “goodbye” to old friends and revisit favourite “hunting” grounds. I also wanted to actually meet “in person” fellow collectors and 50 Shades members Jeremiah Shaver and Paolo De Marchi as well as Don Smith.

Although Facebook connects us to many people, and links us closely to some, it is most often impossible for these friendships to manifest in physical meetings. I am so grateful to be able to say that not only have I met and/or spoken with 11 of this era’s glasshouse artists and met many of their family members but that I have also met over 30 members of our immediate glass community. An honour and privilege. These ongoing connections and memories of my interactions with them are major reasons for the joy I associate with collecting and my collection. Something I hope to continue in the future.

Meeting Jeremiah (Sept 11, 2021) was so much fun! I saw his awesome pieces, enjoyed his amazing dessert, talked glass incessantly (indulged by our partners) and, of course, did some glass acquisition. I became the proud owner of 2 new EDAG bird centerpieces – one being “Glow Boy” who is one of the very few uranium EDAG bird centerpieces of which we know. Jeremiah added a fire engine red Chalet mini “crossed fingers” centerpiece that I had had for a long time.

My birds from Jeremiah perching with others in their new Toronto roost.

The next day we headed from Ottawa to Cornwall.

My first Cornwall stop was at Ian MacNnabb’s antique and auction centre. His daughter, Jen MacNabb-Voltalina, was also there and it was nice to see her again. The day became even more special when I found one of my “unicorns.” The Chalet horse. I was astonished to find “Mick” in his hometown and to be able to purchase him from Ian. Not only had I been looking for a horse for years, this glass is very significant to me as it is the last piece I am probably ever going to personally find in Cornwall. It is likely that I will never be there again now that I live on the West Coast.

“Mick” (named for his lips) hanging out with my Lorraine horse “chess piece.”

I spent the rest of the day with Paolo De Marchi. Although he had attended the opening reception of the 2010 Chalet exhibit (his father is Chalet artist and bomboniere Maestro Roberto De Marchi), I had not spent time with him then.

Paolo De Marchi (circled) at the opening reception of the “Shapes and Colours of Chalet Glassz” exhibit, October, 2010, Cornwall. Standing behind and to his immediate right is Vivian Guarniere, wife of Chalet artist Gianfranco Guarrniere. She was also Paolo’s baby sitter when he was young as Vivian provided day care for the artists’ children. Vivian was immensely helpful to me by helping the artists verify dates and details as she remembered the glass and its making in the personal context of what was happening with friends and family at that time. She was also acerbic, quick witted and blunt. She had me laughing as much as writing.

During my visit with Paolo, I delivered some rare owl bomboniere he had purchased from myself and fellow collector and 50 Shades member Cindy Bishop Loughlin and then we did a photo shoot of some pieces we had in common. One was particularly personally significant to both of us.

After that, Paolo took me on a tour of the historically significant Cornwall “glass” sites. Obviously, the biggest thrill was seeing where the Chalet factory had stood. Paolo even was able to reach under the fence to uncover a brick from the now demolished complex.

A brick from the Cornwall Chalet factory. And I found the “50 Shades” Earl Gry tea in Ottawa while we were there at the Byward Market. The brick may not be Chalet glass but it is Chalet history and a tangible reminder of a most special day. I consider it part of my collection – minus the tea of course. That is long gone!

Paolo also showed me where Maestro Otello Fuga had founded and operated Gala Glass, the buildings that had housed Mosaic Artistic Glass and Rossi Artistic Glass. In 2013, the Montreal Museum had hosted a Dale Chihuly exhibit. During my visit to it, I had my husband drive to Place Bonaventure so I could see where Chalet had had their Montreal offices. With visiting the Cornwall sites, my glasshouse historical geography tour was now full circle. You can repeat “fan girl” if you are so inclined.

This perfect day ended with meeting Roberto for dinner in an iconic Cornwall pizza joint.

Chalet artist Roberto De Marchi and Deborah Patterson. September 12, 2021, Cornwall. Once again, Roberto answered endless questions, recounted fascinating stories, and provided facts I had never known or thought to ask about regarding Chalet. Precious hours spent that I look back on with gratitude.

The next day, September 13th, was our last in Cornwall. I met Chalet Maestro Bruno Panizzon and his partner Claudette Blue for breakfast at Tilly’s on Pitt Street. Near where the Cornwall Regional Art Gallery (the Chalet show had been held here) had been located. Walking along Pitt Street brought back such a rush of memories! As did seeing Bruno and Claudette again. They have been such a generous and ongoing source of information and education. I am grateful for their patience with and understanding of my love for Chalet and for providing answers to innumerable questions about the company and glass since I first met them in 2010. We would know much less without their support of and contribution to my research. Our collective knowledge has been enriched beyond measure through the sharing from the artists.

Claudette, Bruno, and Deborah. September 13, 2021, Cornwall.

Another person who has advanced our knowledge and provided fascinating information about not only Chalet but also about the Gala, Rossi, Mosaic and Monogram glasshouses of Cornwall is Don Smith. He is the curator of the Cornwall Community Museum and I hold him in very high regard. It was fitting that my last Cornwall experience was to meet him, see how he had grown the museum’s collection and to add to it by donating a piece of Chalet and a copy of the “Chalet Artistic Glass Collectors’ Guide and Catalogue” for his reference. The piece was a Chalet etched bird dish which is featured on one of the Chalet catalogue sheets. This is a rare form and, with downsizing for our upcoming move in mind, I thought it was best given to the museum. A token of gratitude and appreciation for all the insights Don has provided our community.

The bird dish – Chalet A77. This original Chalet inventory sheet was one of those given to me by Chalet *Maestro* Giulio Gatto in 2010.

Not only was meeting Don a pleasure, but he also allowed me to get very “up close and personal” with certain pieces of the museum’s collection. In particular, I especially wanted to examine an exceedingly rare and “Never say Never” signed Chalet bird figurine. I was actually at the museum in 2010 when the former CCM curator had found a rare Chalet shark figurine (at right in display) at the Morrisburg flea market but I had never seen this more recently acquired treasure.

This ends the presentation of my “Top Twenty” and sharing the experiences and memories related to them. More special pieces could definitely have been included but the list had to be ended somewhere.

To recap, I am grateful for my life and the people in it. I am also lucky enough to have “things” in my life that bring me joy. And I am as grateful for the memories that are associated with the collecting of these things! I would also like to specifically express my appreciation of and gratitude to my husband, Campbell Patterson. Since 2009, he has helped me grow my collection by driving me to meet members and pick up glass as well as come “hunting” with me (although he generally stays in the car) more times than he likes to remember. However, he usually does this without complaining (much) as long as we go somewhere good for lunch. He also very tolerantly lives with quite a bit of glass day in and day out, has taken hundreds of photographs and shot dozens of videos for me. He gives me advice or just lets me “vent” when not all has gone smoothly and is always one of my “go to first readers.” Most importantly he never tells me my glass needs dusting!

The Age of Aquarius and Chalet

The Leaves