A Collection in its Own Right

The Juliette K. and Leonard S. Rakow Research Library of The Corning Museum of Glass is the world’s foremost library on the art, history and early technology of glass and glassmaking. Named for a couple well-known both for their passion for collecting glass and for generously sharing their knowledge across the globe, its mission is to acquire everything published on the subject of glass, in every format and in every language.

Juliette K. Rakow (b. 1909, d. 1992), called ‘Gypsy’ by friends and colleagues, trained as teacher at Hunter College for Women in NYC and taught English before she married Leonard Rakow in 1937. Dr. Leonard S. Rakow (b. 1909, d. 1987) attended New York University’s Bellevue Medical School and was a respected surgeon. It was a pair of blue and white Wedgwood candlesticks, a wedding gift from Gypsy’s mother, that sparked a life-long, shared interest in glass and ceramics.

By all accounts, the Rakows found great joy in their famous collection, which included “nineteenth century cameo glass, Wedgwood pottery, snuff bottles, George Owens reticulated porcelain, Tassie gems and contemporary glass.”¹ As a result of Gypsy and Leonard’s enthusiasm for collecting, coupled with their intense intellectual curiosity, they became authorities on glass and ceramics. Published works and lectures based on their scholarly research significantly contributed to the discourse about the art, history, archaeology and early technology of glass.²

It seemed natural that Leonard and Gypsy Rakow, recognized internationally for their glass collection and scholarship, would find themselves at home at The Corning Museum of Glass. Their contributions to the Museum were considerable. Both Gypsy and Leonard were founding Fellows of the Museum and helped organize Cameo Glass: Masterpieces from 2,000 Years of Glassmaking, a comprehensive exhibition at The Corning Museum of Glass in 1982, in which the Rakows contributed almost half of the 158 objects on display.³ In addition to donating many fine artworks to the Museum, the Rakows also donated their library of books and materials assembled throughout their decades of research.

When asked, “In your years of collecting, writing, and lecturing, what tool has been most useful to you?”, Dr. Rakow answered, “Without question, our library. It has become a collection in its own right.”⁴ Named in 1984 in honor of their support, The Juliette K. and Leonard S. Rakow Library of The Corning Museum of Glass, was, according to former CMoG deputy director John H. Martin, the intellectual crown of the Rakows’ life together.⁵

Decades later, the Rakows’ gifts, both material and intellectual, continue to support scholars at The Corning Museum of Glass and across the globe.

CITATIONS:
¹ Warmus, William. “Leonard Rakow”. New Work, no. 31, Fall 1987, pg. 26
² “Juliette & Leonard Rakow honored at Corning Museum.” Antiques and the Arts Weekly, v.12, no. 47, Nov. 23, 1984, p. 5
³ Watts, David. “Rakows Honoured by Corning Library.” Glass Circle News, no. 30, Dec. 1984, p. 5
⁴ McMillan, Lorel. “Conversations with Collectors Dr. and Mrs. Leonard S. Rakow: Collecting to Share.” Art &Antiques, v.4, no.5, September/October 1981, pp. 22-27
⁵ Martin, John H. “Mrs. Leonard S. Rakow (1909-1992)” Journal of Glass Studies, v. 35, 1993, pp. 156-157

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The Rakow Research Library is open to the public 9am to 5pm every day. We encourage everyone to explore our collections in person or online. If you have questions or need help with your research, please use our Ask a Glass Question service.