In 1899, young Walter Przybylek was born to Polish immigrants in Pittsburgh’s South Side neighborhood. At age 12, after both of his parents had died, Walter dropped out of school and went to work in one of the region’s many “glass houses”.
After several years on the factory floor, often hanging out near the glass designers, Walt was fortunate to begin an apprenticeship with the renowned designer Reuben Haley. The resulting partnership would span almost 18 years.
Walt continued his relationship with the Haley family after Reuben’s death, working with his son Kenneth for an additional 20 years. During this period, Walt ran his own independent design shop, creating patterns, molds, and models for the leading U.S. glass companies of the era.
Within this site, you can read Walt’s full biography, learn more about the history of glass design and the role of pattern makers in the glass production process, and view examples of the unique collection of Walt’s work that has been assembled diligently and with great pride by his family.
