NATIONAL MARBLE MUSEUM > CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS > DEE SNELL

Marble Enthusiast

“Grandma” Dee Snell studied the art of lampworking as an apprentice under Lucille Healy. She also studied advanced lampworking techniques under master glass artist Loren Stump. Today, Dee, along with her husband “Grandpa” Paul operates a full production art glass studio making marbles, stemware, and vases.

Lampworking or flameworking is an ancient technique of melting and working glass that is very similar to the core-forming methods used by the Ancient Egyptians 5,000 years ago. By using a small funneled flame coming from a narrowed funnel shaped opening, ancient artisans could hold both the object and the cane in their hands and work the glass. This method of using a funneled flame predates the invention of glassblowing by centuries. Nearly all-ancient glass working techniques can be described as lampwork methods.

Today, modern lampwork artist like Dee and Paul Snell use a torch instead of a primitive oil lamp (burner) or a funneled flame style burner (furnace). Dee designs each limited edition marble style and Paul helps in the production. The Snells are probably best known for their beautiful flower designs.

Dee and Paul are avid marble enthusiast and collect vintage handmade and early machine-made glass marbles. Dee is very active with the Sea-Tac Marble Collectors Club. “Grandma” Dee has what she calls one of the “Best Marble Collections” in the world. The collection includes her “jewels” which are the many marble collectors she calls her friends.

Dee Snell wants to encourage other glass artist and marble enthusiast to join MAGWV and contribute to The National Marble Museum collection!

The Museum of American Glass in West Virginia
Would like to thank Dee and Paul Snell for their help and support.
This beautiful collection from Dee and Paul Snell are now part of the marble display.

Do send your thanks to Dee and Paul Snell! Contact them at:
pdsnell@aol.com