CIRCA Vintage Art Glass

Brian Imeson, the owner of Circa Vintage Art Glass in Calgary’s Inglewood district, considers himself a curator. “I get to procure really interesting work and pass that on,” he says. That “work” is colourful art glass, from decanters, bowls and vases to lamps and abstract sculptures.

The vast majority of items Circa Vintage Art Glass offers date from the mid-century-modern period (the 1940s through the '60s) and originate from Czech, Dutch, French, Italian and Scandinavian studios. “Mid-century styling was way ahead of its time," says Brian. "It has a modernist approach to form and shape with clean lines, simple designs and vibrant use of colour.”

Furthermore, he emphasizes that all the pieces he sells are handblown works of art from the mid century.