Learn all about this other-worldly, glowing, slightly radioactive, art deco fish bowl in a fascinating presentation by Gary Bagnall and the Museum of Aquarium and Pet History.
During a holiday family excursion to the historic Glensheen Mansion, located in Duluth, Minnesota on the northern shore of Lake Superior, I discovered something rather peculiar tucked away in one of the many rooms. There, enclosed in a case and illuminated in a strange, purplish light, sat a collection of glassware, strangely glowing. It was my first encounter with something known as vaseline or uranium glass. Yes, it’s radioactive, albeit at low levels. Yes, it fluoresces when exposed to the right wavelengths of light, just like so many modern coral reef aquariums (thankfully, the corals are not radioactive).
Visit the Museum of Aquarium & Pet History at MOAPH.org
Just a couple of months after my illuminating visit to Glensheen, I was delighted to discover that The Museum of Aquarium and Pet History has unveiled a remarkable video documenting the iconic Ruba Rhombic Fish Bowl, created in vaseline glass. Admittedly, this “cubism in [green, glowing] glass” isn’t remotely pragmatic for the viewing of inhabitants through the glass, but that wasn’t really the point, as Gary Bagnall explains. These Depression Era, Art Deco aquatic masterpieces are few and far between now and reveal a rich and interesting history of culture and art merging with early aquarium keeping in the United States, at a time when “goldfish were all the rage.”
Watch on nervously as Gary Bagnall carefully situates this irreplaceable piece of aquarium history upon its equally remarkable metal stand.
So, why is it called “vaseline” glass? Is the bowl safe? What amazing secondary surprise is hidden well into this expansive and informative video?! Watch the 20-minute video to learn the answers, and stay after for bonus videos from Jack D. Wilson, further elaborating on Ruba Rhombic glassware from the era.
Matt Pedersen is a Sr. Editor and Associate Publisher with Reef To Rainforest Media, LLC & CORAL Magazines, and is a Sr. Editor and Publishing Partner with Aquatic Media Press, LLC & AMAZONAS Magazine. Matt has kept aquariums for 38 years, has worked in most facets of the aquarium trade, is an active aquarist and fish breeder (both marine and freshwater), and was recognized with the 2009 MASNA Award as the MASNA Aquarist of the Year.