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Collection by Allie Weiss

Classic Cookware a Staple in American Kitchens for 100 Years

A new exhibition at the Corning Museum of Glass looks at the 100-year history of Pyrex, the maker of iconic American cooking tools from casserole dishes to measuring cups. We spoke to co-curator Regan Brumagen about the brand's influence on modern American life.

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"Despite its initial success, Pyrex sales began slowing down in the 1920s. Pyrex was a borosilicate glass, expensive to manufacture due to its higher melting temperatures, and, as a result, priced more as a luxury purchase, not easily affordable by the masses. It wasn’t until Corning developed an automated production process in the 1930s that prices on Pyrex dropped and sales were able to rebound." Pyrex Flameware Six-Cup Percolator, made by Corning Glass Works, 1939-1951.
"Despite its initial success, Pyrex sales began slowing down in the 1920s. Pyrex was a borosilicate glass, expensive to manufacture due to its higher melting temperatures, and, as a result, priced more as a luxury purchase, not easily affordable by the masses. It wasn’t until Corning developed an automated production process in the 1930s that prices on Pyrex dropped and sales were able to rebound." Pyrex Flameware Six-Cup Percolator, made by Corning Glass Works, 1939-1951.
"Following WWII, Corning developed the colorful opal ware that many people associate with Pyrex. There is no question these patterned dishes were popular, and the colors and patterns reflected changing trends in popular tastes." Pyrex Mixing Bowl Set, made by Corning Glass Works, 1946-1977.
"Following WWII, Corning developed the colorful opal ware that many people associate with Pyrex. There is no question these patterned dishes were popular, and the colors and patterns reflected changing trends in popular tastes." Pyrex Mixing Bowl Set, made by Corning Glass Works, 1946-1977.
"[The ads] in the 1930s [had] appeals to the everyday consumer concerned with low prices and practicality. Corning began early on to promote Pyrex as the perfect gift for Christmas, Mother’s Day, and for weddings. Brides, mothers, Santas, and newlyweds appear regularly in Pyrex ads, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s." Advertisement in Country Gentleman, 1948.
"[The ads] in the 1930s [had] appeals to the everyday consumer concerned with low prices and practicality. Corning began early on to promote Pyrex as the perfect gift for Christmas, Mother’s Day, and for weddings. Brides, mothers, Santas, and newlyweds appear regularly in Pyrex ads, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s." Advertisement in Country Gentleman, 1948.
"Often popular images and colors were tied in to the ads to increase appeal. For example, Horizon Blue appeared in an October 1969 advertisement, the blue-themed dishes resting on a lunar-like surface. Just months before, Americans had seen Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin land on the moon." Advertisement in McCall's, 1969.
"Often popular images and colors were tied in to the ads to increase appeal. For example, Horizon Blue appeared in an October 1969 advertisement, the blue-themed dishes resting on a lunar-like surface. Just months before, Americans had seen Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin land on the moon." Advertisement in McCall's, 1969.
"From the beginning, when wife of Corning Glass Works Physicist Jesse T. Littleton baked a sponge cake in the bottom of a battery jar made of NONEX, women have been involved in nearly every aspect of Pyrex development. NONEX was a new thermal shock resistant glass developed by Corning for railroad lanterns and other industrial products, and Littleton and others were looking for new products to develop with this unique glass. Bessie Littleton offered to test it out in her kitchen and made the famous sponge cake that launched the brand." Pyrex Covered Casserole, made by Corning Glass Works, 1969-1970.
"From the beginning, when wife of Corning Glass Works Physicist Jesse T. Littleton baked a sponge cake in the bottom of a battery jar made of NONEX, women have been involved in nearly every aspect of Pyrex development. NONEX was a new thermal shock resistant glass developed by Corning for railroad lanterns and other industrial products, and Littleton and others were looking for new products to develop with this unique glass. Bessie Littleton offered to test it out in her kitchen and made the famous sponge cake that launched the brand." Pyrex Covered Casserole, made by Corning Glass Works, 1969-1970.
"Early ads promoted this idea that Pyrex added beauty and elegance to serving food, allowing dishes to go straight from the oven to the table." Pyrex Covered Casserole with Carrier, made by Corning Glass Works, 1978.
"Early ads promoted this idea that Pyrex added beauty and elegance to serving food, allowing dishes to go straight from the oven to the table." Pyrex Covered Casserole with Carrier, made by Corning Glass Works, 1978.
"In the 1980s, microwaveable products were added to the Pyrex line, as more and more families needed the convenience of being able to make quick meals in the microwave." Pyrex Sculpted Bakeware, 1990s.
"In the 1980s, microwaveable products were added to the Pyrex line, as more and more families needed the convenience of being able to make quick meals in the microwave." Pyrex Sculpted Bakeware, 1990s.
The exhibition "America’s Favorite Dish: Celebrating a Century of Pyrex" is on view at the Corning Museum of Glass through March 2016. Storage containers from the Pyrex 100 line, 2015.
The exhibition "America’s Favorite Dish: Celebrating a Century of Pyrex" is on view at the Corning Museum of Glass through March 2016. Storage containers from the Pyrex 100 line, 2015.