06 Dec rare 1920s richly detailed and profusely illustrated pittsburgh glass company catalog joins bldg. 51’s ever-growing building material archive

rare early 20th century comprehensive and profusely illustrated pittsburgh plate glass company’s “glass paints, varnishes, and brushes: their history manufacture and use” hardbound book and/or catalog featuring an informative glance at the early beginnings of glassworks, paint development and distribution and the formation and establishment of their company, followed by an extensive listing of their product line and custom services.

the 1923 catalog edition was designed and published by pittsburgh plate glass company, which  beautifully showcases their storefront glass, shop displays, leaded glass and paintworks with richly colored and highly detailed illustrations followed by detailed descriptions of each process and extensive options for customization.

pittsburgh plate glass was founded in 1883 by captain john baptiste ford and john pitcairn, jr. as the pittsburgh plate glass company at creighton, pennsylvania. the company later changed its name to ppg industries, inc. in 1968. ppg industries is now an american global supplier of paints, coatings, optical products, specialty materials, chemicals, glass, and fiberglass with headquarters in pittsburgh, pennsylvania. the catalog measures 9 x 11 inches.