Paul Manning 'Stickman' Studio Glass Sculpture, Signed 1974

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A striking early studio‑glass work by Paul Manning, signed and dated 1974. This hand‑blown green glass sculpture features Manning’s signature … Read more A striking early studio‑glass work by Paul Manning, signed and dated 1974. This hand‑blown green glass sculpture features Manning’s signature organic form — fluid, folded, and light‑responsive — with a sculptural presence that shifts beautifully as it’s viewed from different angles.

One side includes an etched stick‑figure motif, a playful and expressive detail that appears in some of Manning’s early experimental work from the mid‑1970s. The combination of abstract form and figurative etching gives the piece both artistic depth and a sense of narrative.

Manning’s 1970s pieces are increasingly sought after for their craftsmanship, sculptural weight, and the individuality of each hand‑formed work. This example is especially compelling for collectors of American studio glass, modernist sculpture, and unique artisan‑made decorative objects.
Excellent vintage condition. No chips, cracks, or repairs. Minor surface variations consistent with hand‑blown glass.
Studio Glass • Modern • Abstract • Figurative

Paul Manners (American, b. 1946)

Paul Manners is an American studio‑glass artist born in 1946, recognized for his sculptural, hand‑blown glass forms that explore light, color, and prismatic structure. His work appears regularly at auction and in private collections, with documented sales spanning early experimental pieces from the 1970s through later, more architectural glass sculptures1.

Manners’ practice is rooted in the American Studio Glass movement, a period when artists began treating glass as a medium for individual expression rather than industrial production. His early works—often signed and dated—show a fascination with organic forms, internal patterning, and occasional figurative or etched motifs, aligning with the experimental spirit of the era. Later works evolve into more faceted, tower‑like constructions with layered internal coloration, several of which have appeared in auction records from 2021–20232.

Collectors value Manners for his distinctive blend of modernist abstraction and technical control. His pieces have sold across a wide range, from modest early works to more complex sculptures achieving prices up to $2,000 at auction, reflecting growing interest in mid‑century and late‑20th‑century studio glass. See less