Saturday Book Conversations at Canton Public Library To Discuss Clara and Mr. Tiffany

           Canton Public Library’s Saturday Book Conversations has chosen Clara and Mr. Tiffany by Susan Vreeland as its March selection.  The conversation will be held on Saturday, March 31 at 1:00 PM.

           In 1893 at the Chicago World’s Fair, Louis Comfort Tiffany made quite a showing with his stained glass creations, and his name became known far and wide for exquisite lamps and windows.  Susan Vreeland sheds light on the creative force behind that reputation in her historical novel, which features  Clara Driscoll.  Clara was head of the women’s division at Tiffany Studios and oversaw the Tiffany Girls.  It was Clara who conceived of and designed the Tiffany glass creations and saw them through production.

           The novel paints a picture of nineteenth-century employment practices for women in the workplace, where the contributions of women were not always acknowledged, respected, or rewarded with a fair wage.  The Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company employed only single women, so an engagement or marriage led to termination of employment. 

           Vreeland did extensive research before writing the book, spending time reading Clara Driscoll’s correspondence.  Vreeland is the author of two other historical novels:  The Girl in Hyacinth Blue and Luncheon of the Boating Party.

           Copies of Clara and Mr. Tiffany are available at the library.  New members are always welcome to join the conversation.