Bullseye glass, history

Bullseye was the first factory in the world to manufactur compatible tested glass. In this article the history of Bullseye glass and Bullseye today. Bullseye Glass Co. is a leader in promoting glass art worldwide—through quality production of colored glass for art and architecture, research, education, and the presentation of innovative glass art

Bullseye glass Co, early days

Started in 1974 by three young glassblowers seeking to support their art through industry, Bullseye Glass Co. stays on the crest of the glass arts by continually involving artists in exploration and new product development.

While recreating many of the 19th century American opalescent glasses for stained glass workers, the company founders early on invited artists into the factory to explore less traditional glassforming methods. By 1980 this ongoing experimentation and artist/factory collaboration resulted in the world's first line of "Tested Compatible" glass designed specifically for fusing.

Now Bullseye has developed a fully integrated system of glasses which cross the borders of individual disciplines. Fusing, blowing, torchwork, casting, and the foundation flat glasswork - all are linked by a testing method, a personal commitment to technical problem solving, and a network of artist relationships that keep the challenges coming and the work exciting.

Bullseye glass today

In the Portland (Oregon) factory, they manufacture colored glass for use in art and architecture. Bullseye is noted as the first company in the world to formulate and manufacture glasses that are factory-tested for glass fusing compatibility.

Five days a week skilled craftspeople pour, roll, and shape glass into sheets and other forms, using methods rooted in the late seventeenth century and re-invented by company founders in the 1970s. Bullseye glass provides more than 1,000 different glass products in a complex color palette to artists worldwide, all colors of Bullseye Sheet glass are in stock at Pfann-GBB.

Adjacent to the Bullseye glass factory are the Bullseye Research & Education Studios, where we foster fine design and craftsmanship in glass art, as well as innovation with materials and methods..  

The Bullseye Art gallery is set in Portland’s art-rich Pearl District, Bullseye Gallery mounts a dozen or more exhibitions each year with a select group of international artists. These artists range from acknowledged masters to dynamic new visionaries—all riding the leading edge of contemporary studio glass. The gallery also presents work at art and design fairs across the United States and abroad.

Bullseye glass at Pfann-GBB 

Click for the Bullseye glass catalogue. Bullseye glass sheets are approx. 51 x 88 cm. Clear Bullseye glass “Tekta” is approx. 120 x 60 cm.

There are also Bullseye frit, rods, stringers and confetti’s. Click for the Bullseye glass products.