Spring, NY. Photo courtesy of Beekman 1802.
Have you ever visited Sharon Springs, NY? Or, do you like to shop on QVC from the comfort of your own home? Have you ever tried goat milk soap? Or have you been obsessing over everything Schitt’s Creek-related like just about everyone else these days?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then there is a good chance that you’ve already discovered Beekman 1802, a small mercantile with a larger-than-life story. Founded in 2008 by New Yorkers Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge, winners of the 21st season of The Amazing Race on CBS, along with a friendly herd of baby goats, Beekman 1802 is the realization of a dream to escape the city and enjoy the beauty and peace that only country living can bring. And where better to do that, than in tiny Sharon Springs, 50 miles west of Albany in upstate New York?
12 years later and Beekman 1802 has become a thriving beacon for homegrown quality, unique artisanal products, and a good-sized dollop of kindness. Not to mention the goat milk soap that has put the Beekman name back on the map. And you’ll find plenty of other products for sale too, like delicious gourmet foods, sumptuous bath and body items, and things for the home, including, most noticeably, handmade glassware.
So, when the team at Beekman 1802 reached out to The Corning Museum of Glass earlier this year to collaborate, we thought it could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Beekman 1802 to envision and fabricate a holiday-themed glass tablescape, filled with handcrafted objects made by the Hot Glass Demo Team,” said Eric Meek, Sr. Manager of Hot Glass Programs at the Museum. “Drawing inspiration from the theme ‘Twinkle, Twinkle,’ our glassmakers created a variety of objects that encapsulate the light and sparkle of the holiday season. We at the Museum love to celebrate local makers, and we are excited to help Beekman 1802 showcase the talents of glassmakers in New York State.”
Eleven artists from the Museum created works in crystal, white, and gold leaf. Some works were blown or solid-sculpted using traditional glassmaking methods in the Museum’s Amphitheater Hot Shop, while others were created by flameworking, utilizing a 4,000°F torch. Objects include Venetian-style candle holders, contemporary crystal vases with gold accent wraps, an encalmo bowl with a star-shaped stem, twinkling tree bottles, and several star-themed sculptural pieces.
Photo courtesy of Beekman 1802.
Twinkle, Twinkle is now on view at Beekman 1802, so be sure to visit in person or online to find all the stunning items created by the team at The Corning Museum of Glass, and lots lots more!
“Even though Beekman 1802 is primarily a beauty company, since the very beginning we have worked with regional artisans and craftspeople in ways that we hope help our customers cultivate a beautiful life, not just beautiful skin,” said Josh and Brent of Beekman 1802. “Several years ago, we had a summer pop-up shop in Corning and became enamored by the history of glass in upstate NY, and by the incredible work done every day at The Corning Museum of Glass. Given the chaos of 2020, this holiday at Beekman 1802, we wanted to make sure that we added a little extra twinkle into everyone’s Christmas season, so we partnered with the Museum’s artists who created a collection of one-of-a-kind glass pieces that are available to view and purchase at the Mercantile and online. Our hope is that our Neighbors (how we refer to our customers) around the world come to know and appreciate the work done at the Museum and that the extra Twinkle Twinkle puts a smile on their face.”
And, here at the Museum, we love to celebrate the holidays just as much as we love making glass, so we invite you to join us in toasting the holidays and to a fun-filled end to 2020. As always, with a full calendar of events this winter, there is lots to see and do, so reserve your spot today!
The Museum’s Hot Glass Demo Team—featured on the Netflix series Blown Away— is comprised of master glassmakers with decades of experience. A highlight of any visit to the Museum includes watching these artists at work during live, narrated glassmaking demonstrations. The Museum’s YouTube channel features hours of demonstration content showcasing the talents of these makers, as well.