Michael Higgins (1908-1999) and Frances Higgins (1912-2004)

 

Michael and Frances Higgins met at the Chicago Institute of Design, where their shared passion for glass and its experimentation first took shape. Married in 1948, they went on to establish the Higgins Glass Studio, where they developed a groundbreaking approach to modern glass art.

Pioneers in the field of fused glass, the Higginses explored the possibilities of kiln-formed techniques – taking sheets of glass and embedding them with coloured enamels before firing. The result was a bold and distinctive style, rich in pattern, colour and texture, that set their work apart from traditional blown glass.

During the 1950s and ’60s, their innovative designs gained wide acclaim and were carried by leading retailers, including the iconic Marshall Field’s department store. Their work continues to be celebrated today, held in prestigious collections such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Corning Museum of Glass, and numerous private collections around the world.

Ken acquired this group of works from a collector in Miami in the early 2000s, recognising their historical significance and enduring visual appeal.