Michael and Frances Higgins » Architects + More

Following World War II Michael Higgins was named Head of Visual Design at the Chicago Institute of Design. Frances Stewart was an assistant professor of Art at the University of Georgia. While working towards her master’s degree, Frances studied under Michael at the Institute and their mutual fascination with glass fusing techniques quickly led to a personal as well as professional relationship. They were married in 1948 and immediately set up a studio to cooperatively explore the then-unknown field of modern glass fusing. Because they worked so closely together in the studio, all of their work is simply signed “higgins” which is understood to mean “Michael and Frances Higgins”.

By 1950 the Higgins’ finished products were appearing in upscale retail stores like Marshall Fields, Bloomingdales and others.

In 1951 their work was featured in the Chicago Art Institute’s “Designer Craftsman Exhibit” and the “Good Design Show” presented at the Chicago Merchandise Mart.

They quickly became recognized as pioneers in the emerging field of studio glass and their association with the Dearborn Glass Company in the mid-1950s led to a small mass production of Higgins Glass, particularly ashtrays.

Today their work is considered highly collectible and is prized by both museums and private collectors alike.

To learn more about Michael and Frances Higgins, visit the Higgins Glass website here