In 1928 Nicholas Kopp designed a very modern and futuristic line of glassware that was named Modernistic. The Modernistic line is often confused with Ruba Rombic manufactured by the Consolidated Lamp Company.

The Kopp Glass, Inc. was the second incarnation of the company. Kopp formed the first Kopp Glass Company in 1900. After acquiring new partners in 1901, the name of the company was changed to Pittsburgh Lamp, Brass and Glass Company. In 1926 the company went bankrupt and Kopp formed Kopp Glass, Inc. The company is still in business today and is located in Swissvale, Pa. Before forming the Kopp Company, Mr. Kopp worked for the Hobbs Glass Co., Fostoria Lamp and Shade Co. and the Consolidated Lamp and Glass Co.

During its early years the company produced traffic light lenses in three colors, shades for kerosene lamps and railroad items. The company also produced a limited number artistic lines which are popular with today's collectors. A company ad states that they made "residential and commercial lighting, glassware and portable lamps". In the 1980's and 90's they developed night vision filters for pilots so they could see at night by filtering out bright lights from other sources in the planes cockpit. Today the company produces items ranging from prisms to light coverings for today's street lights.

The "Modernistic" name was used on several items. The most recognizable items are the ones that resemble Ruba Rombic. There were three items produced in this pattern: Vase (6 ½" & 8 ½") in two styles, powder jar and the very rare electric lamp. The lamp looks just like the smaller vase except it has a cover over the top and it is footed. A Modernistic portable lamp was made with an 18" diameter. Another ad for the company states that this lamp is "modernistic in design as well as decoration". The name was also used for hanging lampshades for home and business's.

Even though the company produced 40 different colors, the small Modernistic line (vase, powder jar and lamp) was made only in the following colors: Crystal, Rose, Ruby (rare), Blue, Havana, Emerald and Ebony (rare). Some items may be found with a frosted finish applied to them. Portable lamps were made in five colors and the hanging shades were made primarily in crystal and milk glass.

The Antiques Roadshow recently visited the Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Arts to film a segment on Ruba Rombic glass. The Roadshow asked the museum for permission to film the museum's collection of Kopp Modernistic glass since it is easily confused with Ruba Rombic. One of the museum's members loaned the museum two lamps in blue and red for the film session and they will go on display sometime in the future. The museum is wonderful and a really good place to learn about modernistic glass, art, furniture, paintings and more. The museum contains thousands of items in many different styles.

Contact information for the museum is: The Kirkland Museum, located at 1311 Pearl St., Denver, Co. 80203 (303) 832-8576.

The Denver Modernism Show is a fantastic opportunity to add to your collection of modern and Art Deco glass or pottery; you might want to consider attending the show to learn more about collecting Art Deco and Modern glass. In addition to glass, the show will have a wide assortment of other Art Deco and Modern merchandise for sale. The next Denver Modernism show will be Aug. 28, 29 & 30, 2009. The 4th Annual Denver Modernism Show will be held at the National Western Complex, near the intersection of I-25 and I-70. Please visit their website at: ( www.denvermodernism.com).

To gain an appreciation for the beauty, variety and quality of American glass manufacturing, consider attending one of the shows that promotes these items. The next glass and pottery show featuring Modernistic and other antiques like those described in this article will be sponsored by the Pikes Peak Depression Glass Club (PPDGC). The show dates are September 26th (9-5) & 27th (10-4), 2009. Directions to the show are: Colorado Springs City Auditorium, 221 East Kiowa St. Colorado Springs. From I-25 take the Bijou exit and head east away from the mountains. Please visit the Pikes Peak Depression Glass Club (PPDGC) website to learn more about their club and their Sept. 2009 fall show. ( www.PPDGC.com)

In the Denver metro area, you may want to visit the Rocky Mountain Depression Glass Society (RMDGS) website to learn more about their club and there spring glass and pottery show: ( www.RMDGS.com) & ( SHOW). The show has hourly door prizes for adults and a special $25 door prize just for children every 2 hours during the show. Barbara and Jim Mauzy, authors of 18 collector books, will be guest authors at the spring glass and pottery show in April 2010. Please check the club's website for more information about this exciting event.