Bauer & Coble Studios

Bob Bauer and John Coble started their stained glass business during 1972. They first met at the University of Illinois in Urbana during the early 1970s. John was doing post graduate work in chemistry at the University, Bob had a PhD in chemistry from Northwestern. John taught in the Kellog Schools before going back to Purdue for his master's degree.

Neither had a formal art course but both had taken up art as a hobby. John had done some oil painting and nature photography. Bob had worked in lithographs and block printing. Both were antique collectors.

Initially the partnership focussed on the booming Tiffany reproduction market but eventually transitioned to designing their own lamps, predominately floral in design. The owner of the House On The Rock Museum in Spring Green, Wisconsin learned about the firm through and advertisement. They ended up making 25 lamps and 4 stained glass windows for the museum providing both capital and added exposure to the business. In 1980 they employed 5 full-time and 3 part-time employees.

Bauer & Coble specialized in Iris and Lily patterns, however, they had a couple of dozen standard shade patterns and about 20 different base designs. The firm was known for making not only their shades but designing and casting their own bronze bases. Few stained glass firms attempt both. They were successful in producing some very original and sought after bases. These can occasionally be found at auctions and in the collector market.

However, in 1987 Bob and John continued their collaborations by growing and selling Japanese and Siberian Irises by mail order. They used to have the largest collection of Japanese varieties outside of Japan, about 450 varieties, but now only have enough stock of about 100 cultivars to offer. This business became known as Ensata Gardens. Bauer & Coble Studios closed its doors in 1990.

Thanks to Ardyce Czuchna and Battle Creek Enquirer, a 1980 news article, some of which I adapted for this bio.