Posted by Rudy Veraar
on December 29, 2025
The Corona Glassworks, later known as Tiffany Furnaces, were the crucial production facilities that Louis Comfort Tiffany established in 1893 in Queens, New York. This complex, initially called the "Stourbridge Glass Company," became the heart of Tiffany’s warm production and was crucial to his strategic and artistic move.
Vertical Integration and Quality Assurance
Tiffany’s ambition required him to be independent of external suppliers, which allowed him to achieve vertical integration: from the raw ingredients of the glass to the finished work of art. By taking material production in-house, he could guarantee unparalleled control over the quality and the creative process.
Center for Innovation and Secrets
The location in Corona, Queens, was strategically chosen because it was a secluded area. This was essential to protect his "closely guarded secrets" regarding patented glass formulas and chemical recipes from competitors. Under the leadership of Arthur J. Nash, revolutionary techniques were perfected here, including methods for blending different colors in a molten state to create an extraordinary range of effects.
The Complex Studio System
The Corona complex consisted of more than just the glass furnaces (Tiffany Furnaces). It expanded into a vast site including a decorative enamel department and a pottery studio. Furthermore, the location housed the Tiffany Studios, including woodworking shops, lampshade and chandelier departments, and a foundry and metal workshop for bronze and iron. At its peak, the complex employed hundreds of workers.
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Discover more about the chemist who was in charge of these factories and the development of the iconic glass in our Article about Arthur J. Nash.
