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Some might think this is a good title for a Romance novel, for
Fenton collectors it means a wonderful selection of Burmese made exclusively
for Joyce Colella in tribute and love for her mother, Mary Walrath.
Although Mary has been involved with exclusives produced by other
glass companies for several years, her first involvement with Fenton was with
her 1982 "Love Bouquet" series of handpainted Burmese items made exclusively
for her. Decorated with Lilies of the Valley, Forget-me-nots, one rose, and
one rosebud on the back of the piece. The exclusives were limited to only a
4-hour run, with 148 complete sets individually numbered by Mary, and consisted
of six pieces:
7424WQ 4-1/2" Rose
Bowl
7558WQ 6" Bud Vase
7255WQ 10" Tulip Vase
7552WQ 6-1/2" Tulip Vase
7546WQ 4-1/2" Vase
7235WQ 5" Basket
About that
same time period, Mary decided her next venture would be a set of Burmese miniatures.
The only problem with miniatures is that they have to be pressed and not blown.
Although she persisted, Bill Fenton would remind her that Burmese could not
be pressed. The atrocious samples she received seemed to echo Bill's voice,
"Now are you convinced that Burmese cannot be pressed?".
But Mary would not give up. To her it was like a brand new recipe
for a cake, and they only needed to modify the recipe to get the result she
wanted. Finally after 4 years, Fenton did discover the special formula that
was needed of Mary's 7-PC. miniature collection, and thus a brand new breakthrough
was accomplished.